Connecting WiFIRE-enabled Traeger grills with Starlink routers
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Working Through Starlink Router Concerns
Satellite pairing can be more difficult than working with a standard cable service provider due to many variable factors at play. If it doesn’t work today at this time, don’t give up! Trying at a different time of day when network traffic to Starlink satellite networks is lower can help improve connection. See Peak Hours below.
The very first step to working with the Starlink network is understanding that this is a satellite service provider and connection can be more difficult due to the distance data needs to travel in order to reach our servers.
Below you will find different steps and checkpoints to see what may be preventing your connection to your Traeger.
Preliminary Checks
- Ensure the router's firmware is up-to-date. (You should be able to see if your router needs updating via the Starlink app)
- Verify your Wi-Fi networks have been split, and you are using a 2.4 GHz network.
- Check the download and upload speed. Poor upload speed can affect pairing.
- Check for the number of devices connected to the network. Having multiple devices such as streaming devices, camera systems, gaming equipment, etc., can eat up bandwidth. This is even more important when dealing with satellite networks due to limited data available.
VPN/SDWAN
Check to see if there is a VPN or SDWAN set up on your Starlink or mobile device. This will need to be disabled temporarily during pairing. These generally run as third-party applications and are not built into the Starlink application by default.
Mesh Nodes
The nodes in a mesh network create a wireless network among themselves, passing wireless traffic and keeping signal strength smooth and strong throughout the network.
Starlink offers mesh nodes as a way to expand coverage in a home. Our grills are not compatible with these nodes and must be connected to the primary router itself.
Splitting Networks on Starlink Router
- Open the Starlink application on your mobile device.
- Go into settings.
- Select the router’s name.
- Locate “Split 2.4/5GHZ Networks” and click on it.
- This will split your WiFi into two channels. One is a 5Ghz channel with faster data and shorter range. The second will be 2.4Ghz which is a bit slower but can reach farther distances.
Recalibrating the WiFi Network
Once the above has been completed and the settings have been applied the next step would be to recalibrate the Starlink connection by rebooting the network. These steps are taken directly from Starlink's support articles:
- Power down the Starlink router. Please make sure this is turned off for a generous amount of time. In order for the Satellite dish to power down as well. This generally takes 5–10 minutes.
- Once the time allotted has passed, plug the router back in.
- Wait for the green light on the router to signal an internet connection.
- Once done, open the Starlink application
- Go into the advanced settings.
- Run the Router to Internet scan and verify improvements.
Peak Hours
Peak hours are the times during the day when many Starlink users are trying to use their service at the same time (Typically between 6pm and 11pm local times). Users may experience slower speeds during these time frames. If you are attempting to pair during these hours and are unsuccessful after following all the steps above, an earlier time may be the best option.
Weather
Because Starlink is a satellite router, significant weather can cause service decline due to a reduction of the radio signals. Moderate to heavy rain, snow, and hail can cause momentary service dropouts. Storm systems near their local ground stations can also impact service.