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How to Identify Your Starlink Dish, Router and Replacement Parts

Compare Starlink's original circular dish, rectangular Standard Actuated system, and current non-actuated Standard hardware—including mounts, routers, cables, and upgrade considerations.

StarTether Field Guides2 min readUpdated September 10, 2026
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IN THIS GUIDE

Compare Starlink's original circular dish, rectangular Standard Actuated system, and current non-actuated Standard hardware—including mounts, routers, cables, and upgrade considerations.

01

Read labels before choosing parts

Identify the terminal and router separately. Photograph their model labels, the power supply label and both ends of any cable you plan to replace. Check the hardware shown in your Starlink account. Do not publish identifiers or account screenshots containing personal information.

What you see Likely family What still needs checking
Round motorized dish Circular Standard Original supply, cable and mount arrangement
Rectangular dish on motorized mast Standard Actuated or an actuated Performance model Exact label; shape alone cannot distinguish them
Flat rectangular dish with removable kickstand Standard family Standard 4 versus 4X and matching power equipment
Small terminal with built-in Wi-Fi Mini Mini power lead and sealed Ethernet connection
Larger Performance terminal Performance family Generation, power supply and mounting interface

Use the equipment reference alongside the labels. Illustrations help recognize a family; they are not evidence that two parts interchange.

02

Generation names can be confusing

“Gen 3” may describe a router or a colloquial kit name. “High Performance” can refer to more than one terminal arrangement. The current official Standard specification is labeled 4X; a listing called “Standard 5” should not be treated as a verified equivalent without its actual model information.

03

Before buying a replacement

Write down the terminal model, router model, cable part and mount interface. Match the replacement listing against each relevant component. If a listing only says “works with Starlink,” ask the seller for the exact compatibility statement and instructions.

A working older kit does not need replacing just because a newer one exists. Diagnose the actual fault or requirement first: damaged cable, unsupported mounting arrangement, changed power needs or insufficient local Wi-Fi. Replacing the terminal will not repair a weak indoor wireless link.

CONFIRM YOUR NEXT STEP

Use the instructions for your exact kit.

Check the official Starlink app and hardware instructions before changing installation, equipment or service settings.

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