NEWS

Fibre vs Starlink - which option is right for you?

by Josh Kosmala

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With the increased uptake of Starlink, we've been getting many inquiries as to whether or not people should be getting on the bandwagon. If your property is, or can be, serviced by fibre, the answer to whether or not you get Starlink is absolutely not! Fibre is far superior and is the best option for connectivity.

 

Why? Fibre is terrestrial. It's not 'out there somewhere'. This means lower latency (the time it takes for your internet traffic to be sent around the internet.)

 

The only time a property or business should have Starlink when fibre is available is if they were wanting a back-up for their fibre connection. This could prove useful during power outages (if you have solar) and natural disaster type situations. If this is the case, you'd want a network professional to configure this so your network can flip-flop between the primary (fibre) and secondary (Starlink) connections automatically.

 

If you're out in the wops, or your only option is 4G, then Starlink or a Wireless Internet Service Provider (like NorthTel or Uber) is your best bet.

 

Starlink is great and has changed the face of rural connectivity, but should not be used in place of fibre if it's available.

 

"I'm on Fibre or Starlink but my connection is still terrible!"

 

It's important to differentiate between your internet service and your local network (your local network or LAN is the internet set-up within your own home - how the internet gets around your house), and understand the role each plays in serving your property with connectivity.

 

Your internet service is your pipe in. Unless you're still on copper this should be fairly stable in terms of speed. Most residential or business internet service plans can range anywhere from 50Mbps to 950Mbps download. Starlink sits somewhere at the lower end, around 150-200Mbs.

 

"What's Mbs?" Megabytes per second. It's how we measure the speed or data flowing from one internet device to another.

 

"How many Mbps do I need?" Truthfully, the standard household shouldn't need more than 50-100Mbps, unless there are large amounts of gaming, or you're a videographer or architect constantly uploading and downloading big files for work.

 

For reference Netflix recommends about 15Mbps. You do the math.

 

In most instances, devices are operating on a wireless network. This is usually served from the router, or wireless access points if you have them installed.

 

Wireless networks (ie. in your home) are radio signals (on the 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz frequency bands) and I often use the analogy of an audio system to explain how wireless network coverage works. Would you put your speakers in a cupboard and expect to be able to hear them well? This is exactly what we see many times with wireless routers, and people wonder why their connectivity sucks.

 

In this scenario, nothing at the router has changed in terms of speed. So, the internet service is fine. What isn't so good is the signal, or wireless coverage, of your home network. Put your speaker in a cupboard in the kitchen with your favourite song on, close the hallway door, walk to the other end of the hallway and close the door to the bedroom - now see how well you can hear the speaker. 

 

Fortunately coverage issues can be resolved by installing Wireless Access Points around the property. (Please note that I am not referring to the $50 plug in devices that you get from electronics retail stores, or "mesh" products from similar providers. In some instances they may work, however wireless networking is a complex science and if you want the best solution you'd want to get a professional in.) 

 

In summary, if you're having issues with your connection around your home or business, it's likely not your internet service that is causing the issues, but more a coverage issue of your internal network.

 

Look out for my article next month about what your options are for landline numbers and the coming removal of the copper telephone network around Russell.

 

 

Josh Kosmala runs Northland Technology and NorthTel, two local businesses offering IT support and internet connectivity across Northland. He started offering computer support to Russellites in the days of Enterprise Russell, the petrol station on the corner and before Long Beach Coffee Cart was even a thing. For Starlink Installation, Wireless Networks, Fibre Connection and other IT related matters please email him via help@northlandtechnology.nz or by phoning 09 869 0009.