STARLINK vs 5G: Who will win the ultimate race?

STARLINK vs 5G: Who will win the

ultimate race?

"STARLINK vs 5G: Who will win the ultimate race?" It is a hot topic that interests the world and so I did some research on it. So, I thought I would share my findings with everyone.

Starlink is created by SpaceX to provide fast internet through the use of

satellites. The session explains why we need Starlink and how Starlink

solves the problem of slow VSAT data. It also displays real data comparing

download/upload speeds of Starlink and Mobile 5G. Next, we look at the

various challenges Starlink might face in its race with 5G and other data

carriers, as well as possible solutions.

Finally, we consider the introduction of the Tesla Pi phone and discuss how

it can be a game changer and revolutionize the space.

How does Star Link work?

Using S=v*t, we can see that 35786 km takes about 120 ms for the

electromagnetic waves to travel. This means that a ping latency would

be around 120 * 4 = 480ms + each device's processing overhead, which

will easily exceed 500ms.

On the other hand, Starlink satellites are 550km from earth with a one-way

travel time of only 2ms and a total RTT ping would be around 2*4=8ms.

Adding other processing overhead, this should have an RTT of between

20-30ms.

How fast is Starlink?

Starlink shared a massive increase in users in 2022. Globally, Starlink had

around 150,000 users at the start of 2022. However, they announced that

they currently have over 1 million users. The increase in the number of

users seems to have reduced speeds.

However, the number of satellites is also growing with over 3,000 already

in orbit and a future plan to have around 12,000 Starlink satellites in orbit.

Adding CDN capabilities on some of the satellites could significantly reduce

latency.

Starlink Challenges

The first big challenge would be that Starlink needs a big antenna to maintain

the connection.

This means that if someone wants a Starlink connection, they have to install

an antenna, then connect to a wired router and this router provides WiFi to

the house. This solution is easy for home broadband, but it cannot win

against mobile 5G, which has much higher penetration and user numbers.

Second, satellites are not geostationary and as such they keep moving and

the serving satellite will keep changing.

This means that whenever a serving satellite is out of view, the receiver's

antenna will need to recalibrate and find another satellite to get a connection.

Although this process is quite fast, it can still create latency, jitter, and data

buffering.

Finally, the satellite links used the C band, which are high frequency bands

and generally require LOS (Line of Sight) clearance. Therefore, if there are

messes such as high-rise buildings, it will be difficult for Starlink users to

get good service.

Pro Tip: Consider using a lower frequency for better penetration and coverage.

Who is the winner?

In rural and suburban areas or areas where telecom coverage is not present,

Starlink is a clear winner as you can get a connection anywhere or anywhere.

In cities and urban areas, mobile 5G is a better use case due to higher user

penetration, better indoor coverage, and better mobility.

From a service point of view, broadband services like normal streaming

and browsing services, both 5G Mobile and Starlink, are good. But services

that require strict latency issues, Mobile 5G might be better as Starlink will

have latency variations.

Will the Tesla Pi phone be a game changer?

However, Tesla's Pi phone can change everything.

Right now, Apple and Samsung phones mostly dominate the phone world,

but if Tesla's Pi phone has the ability to support regular 4G/5G plus a native

connection to Starlink, it has the potential to be game-changing. the world

market. phones and opens up many new use cases. !

Why wouldn't someone buy a Tesla Pi phone if it can be connected wherever

you go? You go on vacation to any country and connect to Starlink through

your Tesla Pi phone.

Additionally, Starlink can provide roaming services to telecom providers that

telecom providers cannot easily reach. Starlink can even provide a remote

link for telecom sites.

challenges

- Downloading from mobile to satellite will be a big bottleneck due to lower

transmit power and antenna gain.

– Multiplexing techniques may need to change depending on mobile

requirements

Ideas

• Use a lower frequency

• High gain satellite antennas with Rx beamforming

• Reception from multiple points on satellites that provide Rx diversity

The potential of Starlink, even Sky is not the limit for them, they have gone

further and don't stop!

If this was helpful, please also subscribe to our Youtube channel: Our

Technology Planet for more exciting content and videos.