Starlink has positioned satellite internet as a true alternative to fixed connections. Whether you’re in the middle of a remote rural area or on a vessel at sea, the performance can be surprisingly good: high download speeds, low latency, and coverage almost anywhere.
Yet, we often hear from users that their real-world experience doesn’t always match the promise of speed tests.
At Wanscale, we know exactly why that happens and more importantly, how to fix it.
Why Starlink Sometimes Underperforms
Starlink operates with thousands of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites constantly in motion. This brings big advantages over traditional geostationary satellites, such as lower latency, but also introduces challenges:
- Signal strength can fluctuate due to weather, satellite positioning, and handovers between satellites.
- Network congestion increases as more users go online in the same area.
- Default internet settings are not optimized for the unique dynamics of satellite connectivity.
That last point is often the hidden culprit: most computers, routers, and applications still rely on traditional congestion control algorithms such as Reno or CUBIC. These work fine for fixed broadband connections, but not for a network that changes constantly like Starlink.
BBR: The Starlink Speed Booster
The key to improved Starlink performance lies in BBR (Bottleneck Bandwidth and Round-trip propagation time), an algorithm developed by Google. Instead of blindly reacting to packet loss, BBR continuously measures available bandwidth and latency, and adjusts send rates in real time.
Benefits of BBR for Starlink:
- Automatically adapts to changing conditions of LEO satellites.
- Reduces packet loss and lowers latency, essential for VoIP, video calls, and VPN.
- Maximizes bandwidth efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your connection.
At Wanscale, we integrate BBR techniques into our solutions so that Starlink connections deliver peak performance, not just in theory, but in practice.
How Wanscale Optimizes Starlink
We combine deep knowledge of satellite networking with advanced technologies like BBR and additional optimization layers. This results in:
- More stable connections with less speed fluctuation.
- Lower latency, even under heavy load.
- Better performance in congested areas where many Starlink users are online simultaneously.
Whether for a construction site, a yacht at sea, or a business in a remote area, we make sure your Starlink connection performs as it should.
Conclusion
Starlink has taken satellite internet to the next level. But to get maximum performance every time, your connection needs to be tuned to the network’s unique characteristics.
With techniques like BBR and Wanscale’s expertise, you can turn a good Starlink connection into an exceptional one.
Experience the difference. Contact me today for a demonstration of our Starlink performance optimization solutions.
Jos Beckers
