How to Set Up the D-Link AQUILA PRO AI Mesh System with Starlink

This guide walks you through connecting the D-Link AQUILA PRO AI Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System (M30 series, Dual-Pack or Three-Pack) to your Starlink so the D-Link system takes over your Wi-Fi and covers more of your home, shed or office.

What you'll need#

• Your D-Link AQUILA PRO AI mesh units (2 or 3 nodes) and their power adapters
• An Ethernet cable (one is included in the box)
• Your phone with the Starlink app installed, and optionally the free AQUILA PRO AI app (iOS / Android)
• Starlink Gen 2 (Standard Actuated) only: a Starlink Gen 2 Ethernet Adapter, because the Gen 2 router has no Ethernet port

Before you start: how it works#

The first D-Link node plugs into your Starlink by Ethernet and becomes your main router. Starlink is then put into Bypass Mode, which switches off the Starlink router's Wi-Fi and routing so the D-Link system manages your whole network (this avoids "double NAT" issues). The remaining D-Link nodes are placed around the property to extend coverage.

Important: Once Bypass Mode is on, the Starlink Wi-Fi network disappears and all your devices connect to the D-Link Wi-Fi instead. To turn Bypass Mode off later, the Starlink router needs a factory reset.

Step 1: Connect the first D-Link node to Starlink#

1. Choose one D-Link node to be your main unit and place it near your Starlink router.
2. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into a LAN port on your Starlink:
   • Starlink Gen 3 router: one of the two Ethernet ports on the rear of the router.
   • Starlink Gen 2: the Ethernet port on the Starlink Ethernet Adapter (installed between the dish cable and the router).
   • Starlink Mini: the Ethernet port on the back of the Mini.
3. Plug the other end into the yellow WAN (Internet) port on the first D-Link node.
4. Connect the D-Link node to power and switch it on. Allow a few minutes for it to fully start up.

Step 2: Turn on Bypass Mode in the Starlink app#

1. Connect your phone to the Starlink Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the Starlink app and go to Settings for your router.
3. Turn on Bypass Mode and confirm.
4. Your phone will drop off the Starlink Wi-Fi at this point. This is expected.

Step 3: Connect to the D-Link Wi-Fi#

1. Each D-Link node comes pre-programmed with a Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. These are printed on the sticker underneath each node.
2. On your phone or computer, select the D-Link Wi-Fi network and enter the password from the sticker.
3. Check that you can browse the internet.

Step 4 (optional): Finish setup in the AQUILA PRO AI app#

This step is optional. The system works out of the box with the Wi-Fi name and password on the sticker. If you're happy with those, skip to Step 5.

Setting up in the app lets you rename your Wi-Fi, change the password, update firmware and monitor your network.

1. Download the AQUILA PRO AI app and sign in or create a D-Link account.
2. Choose a Location (e.g. Home) and tap Install New Device > D-Link Devices.
3. Allow the permissions the app asks for, then scan the QR code on the node (or tap Add Without QR Code and pick your model).
4. Select Set Up as Router and follow the on-screen prompts. Make sure your phone is connected to the D-Link Wi-Fi when asked.
5. Set your Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password and device admin password when prompted, then tap Finish.

If you change the Wi-Fi name or password, reconnect your devices to the new network.

Step 5: Place and power on the extra node(s)#

1. Take the second (and third) node to the area where you need better Wi-Fi. A good spot is roughly halfway between the main node and the weak area, not right inside the dead zone.
2. Plug it into power. Nodes from the same box are designed to pair automatically with the main node once powered on.
3. Give it a few minutes to join, then test the Wi-Fi in that area.
4. If a node doesn't join, bring it closer to the main node and try again, or add it in the AQUILA PRO AI app by tapping + under your Location.

Wired backhaul (optional): For the strongest connection between nodes, for example to another room or a nearby outbuilding, you can link nodes with an Ethernet cable such as our Shielded 24AWG Cat5e Patch Lead.

Placement tips#

• Place nodes up off the floor, in the open, and away from microwaves, metal cabinets, fish tanks and thick masonry walls.
• Coverage depends on your building layout and materials. The Three-Pack can cover up to around 650 m² in suitable conditions.
• For a separate shed or building well away from the house (50 m+), a point-to-point wireless bridge is usually a better fit than mesh. See Starlink Mesh Router Options Explained.

Troubleshooting#

• No internet on the D-Link Wi-Fi: Check the Ethernet cable is in the yellow WAN port on the D-Link and a LAN port on the Starlink (or the Gen 2 Ethernet Adapter). Confirm Bypass Mode is on, then restart the main D-Link node.
• Can't see the D-Link Wi-Fi: Make sure the node is powered on and has had a few minutes to start. Check the network name on the sticker underneath.
• Gen 2 Starlink with no Ethernet port: You'll need the Starlink Gen 2 Ethernet Adapter before the D-Link can connect.
• Want to go back to Starlink Wi-Fi: Bypass Mode can only be turned off by factory resetting the Starlink router.
• Extra node not joining: Move it closer to the main node, power cycle it, or add it manually in the AQUILA PRO AI app.

Warranty and D-Link support#

D-Link Australia & New Zealand provide a limited 3-year warranty on AQUILA devices and free 24/7 phone tech support: AU 1300 700 100, NZ 0800 900 900.

Need help?#

Get in touch with Spacetek on 1300 772 238 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm AEST) or message us with your Starlink model and what area you're trying to cover, and we'll help you get set up.