Starlink was established formally in 2015, and its first prototype LEO satellites were deployed in 2018. Starlink has successfully launched thousands of low Earth orbit satellites by 2022. Starlink Internet Connection is now accessible to the public after completing its beta testing phase.
Currently, Starlink has not published any official firmware changelog to the public. The Reddit community mostly tracks the Starlink firmware update schedule. There has been a rise in the regularity of firmware updates as more and more people begin using Starlink.
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About Starlink Internet
In October of 2021, SpaceX Starlink completed its public beta testing phase. The “Better Than Nothing” Beta release of Elon Musk’s highly anticipated technology business caused a worldwide sensation. The launch was a huge success, and Starlink is now accessible to the public.
Starlink’s ultimate goal is to make high-speed internet service accessible everywhere in the world, especially in remote locations that now have no access to broadband. SpaceX intends to increase the number of operational low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites from 2,300 to 42,000 over the coming years.
Download and Upload Speeds
Starlink’s current download speeds range from 80 Mbps to 150 Mbps. In comparison, the maximum speed of many DSL plans and other satellite internet providers is about 20 Mbps. According to speed tests conducted in the real world, 100 Mbps is a relatively typical download speed. Starlink hopes to enhance the speeds as additional low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are sent into orbit.
Typically, upload speeds vary from 20 Mbps to 30 Mbps. This is on par with some cable internet services but far slower than fiber connections. It’s also 10-40 times faster than DSL.
Why Are Firmware Updates Important?
Firmware, or the embedded operating system, is the software that controls and communicates with the hardware. It manages the hardware and provides the user with functionality. There are several justifications for why it is crucial to update your firmware regularly.
- Compatibility with more recent devices
- Enhancements to Security Performance
- Enhancements to Stability
- Fixing known bugs
Throughout the brief existence of Starlink’s internet service, it has had regular firmware changes. Many of the changes have enhanced the stability and efficiency of the system. Many bugs have been fixed with the introduction of the updated firmware.
Of course, releasing new firmware has not always been a smooth ride. Starlink has also published flawed firmware, which has caused various problems. Fortunately, Starlink responds quickly to address these concerns with their subsequent firmware release.
How to Determine Your Firmware Version?
Using the official Starlink mobile app is the quickest method to see what version of firmware is installed on your Starlink terminal. Remember that the software running on your Starlink dish differs entirely from the firmware running on your router.
These are the steps you need to take to check the status of the firmware version.
- Launch the Starlink app and sign in using your Starlink account.
- Select the Settings option.
- Click the Advanced button.
- Scroll to the Starlink tile to see the terminal’s current firmware version.
However, Starlink does not formally disclose when your Starlink terminal was last updated. If you examine the uptime for your Starlink terminal, you may make the best estimate as to when the firmware was last upgraded.
Your terminal automatically reboots whenever the firmware is updated. The uptime counter will be reset after the reboot. Of course, your Starlink terminal may restart for a variety of other reasons than a firmware update, such as a power outage, a manual reset, or an upgrade to a different service.
The uptime will not provide a conclusive answer to when the previous update occurred. However, it will inform you how long its firmware has not been updated since its last reboot.
To improve security and add new features to its Terminals, Starlink regularly releases firmware upgrades. All Starlink devices will automatically upgrade to the most recent firmware version. However, the Starlink app lets you see the firmware version installed on your device.
How to Update the Firmware on Your Starlink?
Usually, updating electronic devices requires authentication. In contrast to what one would expect, surveillance and network systems are intended to update without the user’s intervention automatically.
User-initiated firmware updates for Starlink terminals are not currently supported. There is no need for the user to do any intervention to get updates; they are just delivered automatically to their devices through Starlink.
Typically, updates are released in several phases. For updates to reach everyone, it may take several days. Sometimes, changes will not be applied to specific users. Starlink allows for remote management of the whole system. Currently, consumers cannot choose whether or not they accept these firmware upgrades.
Some customers have found that restarting their Starlink terminal manually causes it to check for and install any available firmware updates.
How to Update Starlink App?
Like the Terminals themselves, the Starlink app needs regular upgrades to keep up with the latest developments in network security. If your terminal runs on an older firmware version, you may have difficulties installing Starlink accessories like the Starlink Mesh Node.
Therefore, it is crucial always to have the most recent version of the Starlink app installed. Check your phone or tablet for updates to the Starlink app by following these steps:
Update Starlink App On iOS
- Navigate to and open the App Store from the Home Screen.
- Select the Account icon and scroll to the Available Updates section.
- Look in the tab for the Starlink app.
- To begin upgrading the app, click the Update button.
You can also search for the app on the App Store’s main page to see if any updates are available.
Update Starlink App On Android
- Go to the Google Play Store and look for the Starlink app.
- Click to launch the Starlink app tab.
- Click update to begin the procedure.
Conclusion
One of the most crucial features of any internet-connected gadget is the ability to receive firmware upgrades. They aid with keeping the device secure and up-to-date with the latest features.