Smartmodem 2 with Starlink.

Forums › New Zealand Broadband › Smartmodem 2 with Starlink.

Niscoupe

107 posts

Master Geek

#304260 18-Apr-2023 15:47

Has anyone tried using a Smartmodem 2 with Starlink via the ethernet adaptor? Was trying to configure this as an easy way to connect numerous ethernet connections to the Starlink service. Because the connections are all currenty set up through the SmartModem I figured this could be simpler than setting up compatible ethernet switches.

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1687 posts

Uber Geek

#3065001 18-Apr-2023 16:03

Getting a normal unmanaged switch or switches will be far, far simpler. But technically this would work, as long as DHCP is disabled on the Smart Modem & there are no conflicting IPs. You'd only get 3 usable LAN ports though. Are you just trying to connect more devices over Ethernet?

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nztim

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#3065138 18-Apr-2023 19:10

wratterus:

Getting a normal unmanaged switch or switches will be far, far simpler. But technically this would work, as long as DHCP is disabled on the Smart Modem & there are no conflicting IPs. You'd only get 3 usable LAN ports though. Are you just trying to connect more devices over Ethernet?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This

Startlink Ethernet Adapter > Switch > Devices

you could try disabling the DHCP server on the smart modem but that just gets messy.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/SWHNGR1058725/NETGEAR-ProSAFE-GS105-5-port-Gigabit-Switch-5x-GbE

Any views expressed on these forums are my own and don't necessarily reflect those of my employer.

Niscoupe

107 posts

Master Geek

#3065151 18-Apr-2023 20:02

wratterus:

Getting a normal unmanaged switch or switches will be far, far simpler. But technically this would work, as long as DHCP is disabled on the Smart Modem & there are no conflicting IPs. You'd only get 3 usable LAN ports though. Are you just trying to connect more devices over Ethernet?

I have around 6 devices to connect (Tills, printers Kitchen display system etc plus cameras). I figured because they've all been set up and operating on the SmartModem it could be an easy setup if it can be done. There are also no "Guest" settings on the Starlink Modem which we really need in a Cafe environment. According to Starlink themselves it is possible to connect an aftermarket Modem/Router through the Starlink Ethernet adaptor and changing the Starlink modem bypass setting to "on".

Spyware

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#3065210 18-Apr-2023 20:56

Yes, you can do exactly as you say.

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

Niscoupe

107 posts

Master Geek

#3065215 18-Apr-2023 21:13

Spyware:

Yes, you can do exactly as you say.

So no settings need to be changed on the SmartModem?

Spyware

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#3065216 18-Apr-2023 21:26

You would need to set the SmartModem WAN interface setting to IPoE/DHCP and disable vlanid=10.

nztim

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#3065267 18-Apr-2023 23:05

Spyware:

You would need to set the SmartModem WAN interface setting to IPoE/DHCP and disable vlanid=10.

is that possible? or is locked to PPPoE / V10 ?

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michaelmurfy

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#3065269 19-Apr-2023 00:28

I wouldn't use the Smart Modem 2 for the task - sure, it could be done, but it won't be the best experience.

Cheap switch is what you want for the best experience. Especially in a business environment you're better to do it properly than create more of a support mess.

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Bung

5428 posts

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#3065320 19-Apr-2023 06:13

Cheap switch doesn't give OP the guest wifi that he wants.

nztim

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#3065336 19-Apr-2023 08:33

Bung: Cheap switch doesn't give OP the guest wifi that he wants.

Based on his requirements above sounds like he is operating a hospitality business and as such should have a business grade solution using commercial equipment fit for purpose.

Any views expressed on these forums are my own and don't necessarily reflect those of my employer.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#3065344 19-Apr-2023 08:49

Yeah - really the Starlink wants to be in bridge mode, and you want a proper router with the features you need, and as many managed APs as you need to cover the area.

You could do this cheaply with UniFi or Grandstream APs using a guest network, but really want a router/switch & APs that can do VLANs, and have a proper guest VLAN setup.

Technically the SM2 would work if it was routing traffic (as Michael mentioned), but it's not a great solution.

Bung

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#3065345 19-Apr-2023 08:55

Does that explain the $10 cheese scones in Queenstown cafes?

If the Smart Modem 2 currently works is that exceeding expectations?

hsvhel

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#3065362 19-Apr-2023 10:02

nztim:

Bung: Cheap switch doesn't give OP the guest wifi that he wants.

Based on his requirements above sounds like he is operating a hospitality business and as such should have a business grade solution using commercial equipment fit for purpose.

In an ideal world yeah.

Not everyone can shell out for commercial, circumstances depending.

Seems there are options within this thread that will at least get OP running. Can then scope an improvement

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Niscoupe

107 posts

Master Geek

#3065390 19-Apr-2023 10:57

Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions. If it means going to a better router than the SM2 then can look at that. Again a recommendation would be appreciated. Cheers..

Niscoupe

107 posts

Master Geek

#3066821 22-Apr-2023 08:25

Just an update... I have managed to connect the Smartmodem 2 successfully to the Starlink modem and the whole system is working flawlessly.

For the past 18 months or so we have been on Sparks 4G Wireless network and even though we are only around 400m from the Cell Tower we had had constant issues with dropouts every day. Spark Business backup was hopeless and very frustrating. Because of our location on the boundary of city and rural our connection service options are very limited...especially with fibre finishing around 400m away and no intention for it to be extended in the near future.

We have had our setup running through Starlink now for the past 3 days and it has been 100% solid (even through heavy rain) with excellent speed and refreshingly, NO dropouts! Thanks to you all for your replies and help. If anyone else wants to do the same thing at any stage I am more than happy to send screenshots of our Smartmodem settings. Cheers.

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