Since each satellite is moving relative to the transceiver, it must select a nearby satellite and switch to others as they move in and out of range.
Each Starlink transceiver uses its own GPS location to identify which satellites are within range based on the known orbits of the Starlink constellation. The transceiver also continuously monitors signal quality metrics (such as signal-to-noise ratio) to maintain the best possible link. If another satellite moves into a better position or offers a stronger signal, the transceiver will “handoff” to that satellite for optimal connectivity.
In some regions where ground stations are sparse or unavailable, a Starlink satellite can use laser-based inter-satellite links (ISLs) to route data through one or more other satellites before reaching a ground station. This ensures connectivity even in remote or underserved areas and is particularly useful over oceans, remote areas, or in regions where building ground infrastructure is impractical or politically challenging.