SmartLink and Starlink

KØKQ

With a marginal DSL connection, looking forward to Starlink constellation growing down to the 40th parallel. Been on waiting list, expecting invitation soon.

The gamers report that port forwarding is out, looks like VPN for SmartLink users. Anyone on Starlink yet or even thought about it?

Dave

Mike VE3CKO

I heard that Starlink uses a double NAT which if the case would render SmarkLink useless to connect, unless Starlink provides static IP address for it's uses which I would doubt.

Alan

I have a StarLink and can confirm the double NAT.

Speed and Latency are good. I have connected the StarLink directly to my router. I can confirm that StarLink is in the bridge mode with a NAT firewall upstream of my service.

Flex SmartLink does not work with StarLink.

Unless there are other ideas??

Alan

KØKQ

The Starlink subreddit thread has it's views, would indicate we may be waiting for IPv6.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/lk6f51/i_heard_that_starlink_has_cgnat_does_this_mean_we/

Mike-VA3MW

I did some research on this.

Starlink does not present a Wan address like other ISP's so SmartLink will not function. They do not want servers on their networks in order to control bandwidth.

Also, SmartLink does not support IPV6 at all at this time.

Mike

Chet

I understand that if you run a VPN between (such as Open VPN) the two locations thru the double NAT which is in bridge mode, that it will work. Have not talked with anyone that has actually accomplished this. I am willing to give it a try, if someone can guide me. Raspberry Pi's have been used to accomplish this supposedly?

Alan

Chet

I cannot comment on Open VPN.

I can say I was successful in using Pep-Link VPN in a layer two bridge mode, via Starlink, to reach my Flex Server.

Alan. WA9WUD

Mike-VA3MW

This document outlines the challenges and what might work.

https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/4414672618267-Remote-Operation-Working-around-CGNAT-is-it-possible-