Are you a Starlink user and worried about the safety and security of your online data and activities? Starlink VPN can solve this problem. Many satellite internet users are using VPNs for a safe browsing experience.
Well, Starlink satellite internet is compatible with VPNs. You can say they are made for each other! With Starlink, you can use the internet from anywhere, and a VPN helps you hide your actual location. So, you can browse the Starlink internet without exposing your real location.
You can easily connect Starlink with a VPN, but the process differs slightly from other wired internet connections. Stay with me to learn more about the Starlink VPN and decide whether you should start using it or not.
And just in case you want to know more about Starlink in general, click here.
What is a VPN, and Why Would You Use It?
The main task of a VPN is to establish a connection between a device and its server before reaching the general server. That’s why VPN has become one of the safest ways to browse and transfer data.
VPN creates a secure tunnel, and through this tunnel, your data will travel anonymously. This tunnel or pathway is encrypted, and hard to crack or trace.
So, when you browse with a VPN, at first your command goes to the VPN server. After that, the VPN server creates a public IP for you, and then you enter the general network with that public IP.
What happens when you go through the VPN server? The general server won’t be able to see what you are browsing or from where you are browsing.
The general server will only see what the VPN server shows, including your browsing history and location. It actually works like a mirage and protects your home network.
But why would you use a VPN? For example, you can send any confidential data from your home to your office server using a VPN to avoid someone who is trying to steal the data from the web.
People with the wrong intentions can collect your browsing or personal information from the general server. You can steer clear of this by using a VPN. Not only that, a VPN can also hide your real location and create an imaginary location of yours.
When you use a VPN, you can browse banned or censored websites, particularly those in your region. Sometimes, governments ban certain websites and contents due to their policies, but you can still access those by using a VPN.
Working Procedures of Starlink With VPN
NAT, or network address translation system, is the common networking system for all satellite internet providers. This networking system is different from wired connection providers. NAT needs a passthrough to integrate with VPNs. This passthrough is already in the Starlink system.
Starlink routers have a built-in passthrough system. This is like a bypass path or tunnel through your router. Through this path, you can connect to the VPN server.
But how does NAT work to connect Starlink with a VPN? A NAT, or network address translation system, helps you get a general or public IP address instead of a private IP address. This public IP is so vital to setting up the VPN gateway.
Compatibility of Starlink With VPN
Many Starlink users have asked about the compatibility of Starlink Internet with VPNs. To all of them with this question – yes, Starlink is compatible with most of the VPNs available on the internet.
In our research, we have found, that most Starlink users prefer to use personal internet access, or PIA VPN. This VPN software works and integrates best with Starlink. The setup procedure is also pretty simple.
We have also noticed a few complaints about the compatibility of free VPNs and Starlink. I suggest you use premium VPNs with Starlink for the best compatibility.
Is it Possible to Install a VPN on Your Starlink Router?
Yes, it’s possible to install a VPN on your Starlink router, but this facility is available only for Starlink Mobile, Mobile Priority, and Business plans. When you are using one of these plans, you will have the option to configure your private IP address to be a public one.
Check out our comprehensive detailing on Starlink Internet Plans.
The NAT networking system is not available in the Starlink Standard plan. This plan uses the CGNAT system. This means you will have a private IP, not a public IP. You can still use a VPN by installing any VPN app on your device.
Advantages of Using a Starlink VPN
When you use a Starlink VPN, you get a number of benefits. Let’s talk about some of those benefits below:
- Your satellite data remains safe from hackers and cyber crooks. VPN actually acts like an additional wall of security for your safe internet browsing by encrypting your traffic.
- When you use a VPN on your Starlink connection, no one can trace your online activity.
- You may face some difficulties browsing and accessing some websites with satellite internet due to the nature of CGNAT. Sometimes, your CGNAT public IP address may have been put on the block list if it was used for cyberattacks in the past.
When you browse those websites using a VPN, you are visiting them with a server of your own choice, and you can then browse them safely.
Most importantly, your chosen IP address will also change your location. Thus, you will be able to access the version of the website you want.
Disadvantages of Starlink VPN
Over time, very few users have talked about the disadvantages of using Stanrlink VPN. They said they had noticed a decrease in the speed. Some of them also reported about the increased latency while using a Starlink VPN.
Let me explain the fact for you: when you are using a VPN, you first go to the VPN server, then to the general server. Naturally, it will take longer than usual. You may face some pings due to this.
Online gaming or live streaming can be interrupted due to this. Although with some measures you can make your Starlink internet speed faster for gaming.
The download and upload speeds can also be affected if a lot of people are using that particular server at the same time you are using it.
Should You Use Starlink VPN or Not?
After researching the pros and cons, my opinion is, that you should go for the Starlink VPN. A VPN is like a shield for your virtual world, and safety is always the first thing to consider.
However, a VPN lets you access restricted websites in your region. Do you want to watch some TV shows that are not available in your country? You can still watch it by switching your location through a VPN. For example, while living in the USA, if you want to see the Asian version of Netflix, just switch your location to an Asian country on your VPN server.
So, there could be a few disadvantages, but VPNs can be very useful and make your Starlink internet experience really pleasant. I hope this explains the necessity of having a VPN for your Starlink connection.
