- SpaceX is preparing to launch the Starlink Gen 4 router alongside a new Mini dish kit, promising faster download speeds and improved internet performance.
- The Gen 4 router will feature a new design, support a wider frequency range, and use less power than previous models.
- Production costs for the Mini dish are expected to decrease, making advanced satellite internet more affordable and accessible.
Starlink Gen 4 Router Arriving with Next-Gen Mini Dish
SpaceX is getting ready to introduce its latest Starlink Gen 4 router, which is expected to launch together with a redesigned Mini dish kit. This new equipment aims to deliver much faster download speeds and a more reliable internet connection, especially as Starlink prepares to support its next generation of satellites.
The Gen 4 router is a step up from the previous Gen 3 model, which brought Wi-Fi 6 technology to Starlink users. The new router is designed to work seamlessly with Starlink’s upcoming satellite dishes, including the refreshed Mini Kit and the Flat High-Performance dish for business customers.
What’s New in the Gen 4 Router?
- Wider Frequency Support: The Gen 4 router will continue to use Wi-Fi 6 but will support a broader range of frequencies. This means users can expect faster downloads and a more stable connection, even as more people connect to the network.
- Compact and Efficient Design: According to design documents, the Gen 4 router will be smaller and more energy-efficient than the Gen 3 version. This makes it a perfect fit for the new Mini Kit, which aims to be both powerful and portable.
- Lower Production Costs: SpaceX is working to make the Mini dish and router more affordable while still improving their performance. This could help more people access high-speed satellite internet.
Preparing for Gigabit Speeds
There are rumors that SpaceX is getting ready for a new era of gigabit-level satellite internet speeds. To match the capabilities of the latest Starlink satellites, the Gen 4 router is built to handle much higher data rates—up to 2 Gbps—while also reducing latency for smoother online experiences.
Release Date and Pricing
While SpaceX has not officially announced the price or exact release date for the Gen 4 router, it is expected that details will be shared soon. The new Flat High-Performance dish is already in production, so the updated Mini and Standard kits with the Gen 4 router should be available shortly after.
The Starlink Gen 4 router is set to make satellite internet faster, more reliable, and more accessible, marking another big step forward for SpaceX’s global internet service.
The Starlink Gen 4 router would have a new design.
Differences between the Starlink Gen 3 and Gen 4 routers
| Feature | Starlink Gen 3 Router | Starlink Gen 4 Router |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but with wider frequency support |
| Frequency Bands | Tri-band (one 2.4 GHz, two 5 GHz) | Tri-band, but supports a broader frequency range |
| Device Capacity | Up to 235 devices | Not officially stated, but expected to be similar or higher |
| Form Factor | Larger, horizontal design | More compact, space-saving design |
| Power Consumption | Standard (not specified as low power) | Lower power input required |
| Performance | Improved over Gen 2; up to 3,200 sq ft coverage | Designed for even faster speeds (up to 2 Gbps), lower latency, and more stable connections |
| Compatibility | Works with Gen 2 and Gen 3 mesh nodes | Expected to be compatible with new Mini Kit and future dishes |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 LAN Ethernet ports | Not officially detailed, but likely similar |
| Production Focus | Standard consumer and business use | Lower production costs, part of Mini Kit refresh |
Summary of Main Differences:
- Speed and Spectrum: Gen 4 will support a wider frequency range, enabling faster downloads (up to 2 Gbps) and more stable connections, especially with new satellite capabilities.
- Design and Efficiency: Gen 4 is expected to be more compact and energy-efficient, making it suitable for the new Mini dish kits and reducing overall power consumption.
- Future-Readiness: Gen 4 is specifically built to take advantage of the next-generation Starlink satellites, preparing for gigabit-level speeds and enhanced network performance.
In short, while both routers use Wi-Fi 6 and tri-band technology, the Gen 4 router is designed for higher performance, broader spectrum support, lower power use, and better integration with upcoming Starlink hardware and satellite upgrades.
