How to Configure a Starlink Mini Without Wi-Fi: Create a Wired-Only Local Network

If you need Starlink connectivity in an austere or RF-controlled environment, you may want to disable all wireless signals (no 3G, 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi). That was exactly my situation: I recently deployed a Starlink Mini in a remote area where emitted signals were highly restricted.

This guide explains how to disable the Starlink’s built-in Wi-Fi, enable Bypass Mode, and connect it to a wired-only router to create a traditional LAN. The result: a completely cabled network with broadband access (no radios, no emissions).

Product used:

Component	Description / Notes
Starlink Mini	Works as the primary broadband uplink. (Process also applies to Standard and High Performance models.)
TP-Link ER605 V2	Wired Gigabit VPN Router with up to 3 WAN Ethernet ports + 1 USB WAN. Supports SPI firewall, Omada SDN, and load balancing. No built-in Wi-Fi radios.
TP-Link TL-SX1008	8-port unmanaged Gigabit switch (optional) for LAN expansion.
CAT6 Ethernet Cable	Used to connect the Starlink Ethernet adapter to the router and local devices.

Step 1: Enable Bypass Mode on the Starlink Mini

The Starlink Mini ships with its own integrated router and Wi-Fi radios. To operate it as a pure modem, you’ll need to enable Bypass Mode.

How to do it:

1. Open the Starlink app on your phone.
2. Complete the initial configuration until your dish connects and downloads updates.
3. Tap Settings → Advanced → Bypass Mode.
4. Toggle Bypass Mode ON.

Note: Enabling Bypass Mode disables the built-in router and Wi-Fi network. To restore Wi-Fi, you’ll have to perform a factory reset on the device.

Once enabled, your Starlink will act as a bridge, handing off the WAN IP directly to your external router. You can confirm the Wi-Fi radios are off by scanning for available networks (the Starlink SSID should no longer appear).

Step 2: Connect Starlink to a Router

For this setup, I used a TP-Link ER605 (Omada). It’s affordable, reliable, and ideal for RF-restricted or security-sensitive locations since it has no wireless capability.

Connection diagram:

[Starlink Mini]
     │
[Starlink Ethernet Adapter]
     │  (CAT6 Cable)
     ▼
[TP-Link ER605 WAN Port]
     │
[LAN Ports 1–5 → Devices or Switch]

Steps:

1. Connect your Starlink Ethernet Adapter to the Mini.
2. Plug one end of your Cat6 cable into the adapter’s RJ45 port.
3. Connect the other end to the WAN port on your TP-Link router.
4. Attach your devices (PCs, servers, switches) to LAN ports 1–5.
5. Power on the router and navigate to http://192.168.0.1 in a browser.

Default login credentials are printed on the bottom of the device. Follow the quick-setup wizard, and within minutes you’ll have an operational wired network.

Tip: Need more ports? Add a switch like the TP-Link TL-SX1008 to expand your LAN while keeping everything wired.

Step 3: Configure Your LAN and Security Settings

Once your router is online, take a few minutes to harden and personalize the network.

Setting	Recommendation
LAN IP	192.168.50.1
DHCP Range	192.168.50.100 – 192.168.50.200
DNS Servers	185.228.168.9 / 185.228.169.9 (CleanBrowsing)
WAN Type	DHCP (Starlink automatically assigns IP)
Admin Password	Change immediately
Remote Management	Disable
VLANs	Optional for network segmentation

Pro Tip: Using CleanBrowsing DNS adds privacy and content filtering at the network level, especially useful in shared or field environments.

Step 4: Verify RF Silence

If your environment mandates zero radio emissions, confirm everything’s truly quiet.

1. Scan for Wi-Fi networks (the Starlink SSID should be gone).
2. Inspect connected devices: Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters on laptops.
3. Optional: Use an RF detector or spectrum analyzer to verify no active emissions.
4. Optional: Use Faraday enclosures or shielded racks for sensitive operations.

This is particularly relevant for military, laboratory, or high-security facilities where even minimal RF leakage could be an issue.

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By enabling Bypass Mode on your Starlink Mini and connecting it to a wired-only router, you can maintain the benefits of Starlink’s global broadband coverage while completely eliminating wireless emissions.

This configuration is ideal for:

• RF-controlled zones (military, research, or medical facilities)
• Low-profile deployments where Wi-Fi isn’t permitted
• Secure LANs for local-only operations

With minimal equipment and a short setup time, you can turn the Starlink Mini into a dependable, fully wired gateway for any mission or environment.