Starlink's new router mini offers enhanced wifi coverage, flexible ports

Starlink, the satellite internet service provider founded by Elon Musk, has quietly rolled out a new version of its popular Router Mini, packing in some key upgrades.

Enhanced wifi coverage

The most notable change is the increased WiFi coverage, now capable of reaching over 200 square meters - a significant boost from the previous model's 120 square meter limit. This expanded range will be a welcome addition for those with larger homes or complex layouts.

Flexible ports

Another key improvement is the dual PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports, allowing either to be used for powering the router or connecting devices to the network. The voltage range for these ports has also been expanded, now supporting up to 24 volts versus the previous 9 volts. This added flexibility should make setup and management easier.

Design changes

Visually, the new Router Mini appears largely identical to its predecessor, but with some subtle differences. Users who have received the updated model report it being slightly taller and wider, likely due to internal component upgrades that enhance performance.

Rollout and availability

It's unclear at this point whether the new Router Mini will replace existing stock or coexist with the older model. For now, it seems to be rolling out to new customers, with some reports of users receiving the updated device. The older model is still listed for sale on Starlink's official store.

Starlink's decision to quietly update the Router Mini without fanfare suggests a focus on incremental, user-centric improvements rather than grand, dramatic changes. While the changes may not be revolutionary, they do demonstrate a commitment to refining and optimizing the user experience.