Using the Atlas RIPE probe (what a great network measurement platform!), we selected the probe, which uses Starlink to continuously measure connections to CDN servers.
We assume that, no matter which Starlink satellites are passing over the area, the network service connection will still be provided to the same region. For example, if the satellites are crossing the US regions, it doesn’t matter which satellite; it will send data back to a US-based station on the ground.
The test seems a bit funny, but the latency trend appears to follow a pattern. It shows a progression from high latency to low latency and then back to high latency over time. Assuming that the ground station link is a fixed connection to destination CDN server, the latency remains constant. Therefore, the movement of the satellites affects the latency. When the latency decreases, it suggests that another satellite has taken over that area, and the roaming process is complete.
You can think of this like when you are using a mobile device. As you move from one cell site (A) to another (B), roaming occurs, which registers your device from Cell Site A to Cell Site B. This is a similar process with satellites.
Now, back to the Starlink client probe: if its location doesn’t change, then as the satellites move through space, the distance between the satellites and the probe site will increase, and latency can indicate this. When the latency decreases, we may assume that another satellite has taken over the service coverage (similar to the roaming process). This is because the satellites do not move backward.
Moreover, does the change in latency over time affect the user experience?
For instance, during a video or voice call, latency may fluctuate—increasing or decreasing.
However, live gameplay presents a different scenario. Unlike calls, it often relies on a stable connection. A fixed connection typically doesn’t exhibit the same fluctuating physical characteristics, making latency more predictable in gaming environments.
Currently, measurements are taken every 15 minutes. If we shorten this test period, we may get more accurate insights into this operation.
https://www.bgptrace.com/atlas/starlink
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