Starlink and Peplink Configuration for Seamless Failover

In this video, we explore how to set up the router most often encountered in the Airstream Connect or Airstream Smart configurations for Integrated Starlink operation. It is possible to retain most of the functions of the Airstream Smart app while performing these modifications to the router configuration and you end up with a seamless failover between Starlink, Campground Wifi (WiFi WAN) and a cellular connection. This allows you to maintain a constant internet connection while saving money on your cellular bill and changing to the high performance Starlink when you arrive. If any connection fails or is turned off, the system will automatically use the next higher priority connection.

Note that Airstream has changed from the Peplink Max BR1 mini to the Peplink Transit router in later versions of their Connect, but the setup is the same for all of Peplink’s routers.

If you are looking for a new router, I highly recommend the HW3 version of the Peplink Max BR1 mini. Personally, I would stay away from 5G cellular routers until the industry stabilizes more and 5G specification become more regular.

Peplink Max BR1 mini HW3 with Cat 4 LTE Modem - $349 + $99 for the Feature Pack (WAN port functionality)

-or-

Peplink Max BR1 mini HW3 with Cat 7 LTE Modem - $479 + $99 for the Feature Pack (WAN port functionality)

The original HW1 version that came in our 2019 Classic was a Cat 4 modem and is more than adequate. The Starlink is capable of greater speeds than the Peplink is (~250Mb/s for the Starlink and 100Mb/s for the HW1 versions of the Peplink). The HW3 versions are capable of 300Mb/s.

If you don’t need more than 100Mb/s speed, but you want a Cat 6 modem, you can buy the HW1 version with a Cat 6 modem.

#Airstream
#Starlink
#Peplink

[DownsizingMakesCents]

I have a pepwave max transit router which is what I installed for two years before I got starlink. I am in the process of doing a permanent installation of starlink and integrating it with our pepwave router. Most of the time starlink is our primary connection but sometimes trees prevent a good connection to the satellites. I have had starlink for 4 months and have used it from 12 states and Ontario canada, it has worked great so far. Love the videos. Larry

[hsgsports]

Loved the video and have been reading your posts for years on Airforums.

[Bretired]

This was very easy to follow. Thank you

[chadsmith]

Do you have any understanding Cradlepoint vs Peplink? Why would one choose other and so on

[clayton]

At the 2:21 mark you mention a\doing another video about creating world class connection with the pep link and starlink….. is this video available?

[robertwasha]

Can the pep wave be used as a wan? I simply want the starlink connected to the pep wave with a pepwave lan port connected to my own mesh WiFi hub and the pep wave cellular configured for cellular backup for the starlink.

[bobcoffel]

You are making the perfect set of videos at the right time for me. I do have one question though, what do you lose by not having Airstream manage the router or if you factory reset the router? Can you still use the Airstream Connect app, if so what do you lose?

[BC-mist]

so interesting! If you bypass the SL router, can you use a router on 12v? Also, does Dishy work on 12v? TIA

[twesslen]

I'm curious if the pepwave will act as a cell phone signal booster or does it only provide a wifi signal to the cell phone signal provided by the SIM card? Does that make sense? In other words, will it make my cell phone work better in my airstream without having a SIM card / cellular data plan activated on the Pepwave itself.

[robin]

Great video. The BR1 mini seems quite a deal. If I dont pay the $99, I just dont get the WAN, but still get the dual LTEs, right? I also saw someone using the Pep Transit router and it is quite expensive, what is the main differences? Why someone will chose that one? Thanks.

[rogerbrooks]

How do you physically connect the Starlink cable or modem to the PepWave router?