Starlink is a next gen satellite internet system developed by SpaceX. Providing high speed low latency broadband to users world wide. Most useful in remote areas unlike traditional internet Starlink provides a new way to connect to the web. Below you can understand how starlink works and some key components from end to end.

Working at approximately 550Km above sea level this provides lower latency, faster data rates and global coverage compared to traditional satellite internet. With traditional satellites work at around 35,000Km they are much further away than LEOs, working at lower altitudes provides latency comparable to fibre. 

The dish antenna is flat and automatically aligns itself with satellites.

It communicates with multiple satellites, switching between them as they orbit.

The dish is powered by power over ethernet (POE) cable connected to the router.

The Satellites move at a speed around 27000 Km/h.

 

Each satellites is covers a relatively small area, it stays in this segment for only a few minutes before it moves on, being replaced by another. 

They "talk" to each other via laser connections allowing data transfer between satellites, hopping between satellites rather than going directly down to a ground station.

The mesh created enables global routing without terrestrial reliance, this is particularly within maritime and remote sites.

Starlink satellites relay traffic through ground stations connected to the fibre internet backbone.

These stations are situated globally and act as internet exit points.

Without laser connections a connection is usually routed to a station within an average of 1000km.

From the ground stations the traffic is sent to traditional fibre/high speed data centres. 

The return traffic takes the reverse path back to you're device.

Starlink uses LEO satellites for low latency internet.

It requires a clear view of the sky to allow seamless connections to satellites.

Starlink uses satellite to satellite connection via lasers to increase speeds.

This service is ideal for remote locations thanks to the global reach.