# Prepare the Base Station components

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/prepare-the-base-station-components
Updated: 2026-04-09T09:37:30.000Z
Category: Blockstream Satellite
Section: Set up Blockstream Satellite Kit

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**This is step 1 of the** [**Blockstream Satellite Kit setup guide**](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/set-up-a-blockstream-satellite-kit)**.**

Before starting the Blockstream Satellite Base Station setup process, you should make sure that you have all the required components available, as shown below. 

Some components are not included with the kit and will need to be purchased online or from your local hardware store.

## Required Components

### Included in the Kit

- Flat-panel antenna (with integrated LNB and receiver)
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector
- AC adapter
- Mounting brackets

### Purchased separately

- **A computer running Linux:** Most mid-range laptops from the last five years will meet the minimum specifications required to run the Blockstream Satellite software. If you want to connect the Base Station directly to your computer, it will need an Ethernet port or a USB adapter. We recommend [Ubuntu](https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop) for the easiest setup.
- **1x long Ethernet cable:** The cable should be long enough to reach from the satellite antenna to your computer or router. For example, if you are installing the satellite antenna on a roof and your router is placed in an indoor office, you will probably need a 10-30m cable to cover the distance.
- **1x short Ethernet cable:** The cable only needs to be long enough to connect your PoE injector to your computer or router, which are probably stored in the same place. _If you are using a PoE-enabled router, you do not need this item._
- **(Optional) A router:** The Base Station can be connected to any standard home or office router with a spare Ethernet port. We'd recommend using a router with Power over Ethernet (PoE) for a cleaner setup.
- **(Optional) A satellite finder:** Aligning the Base Station to receive the Blockstream Satellite signal can be done without a satellite finder, but we highly recommend using one to make it easier.

## Next Steps

After confirming that you have all components prepared, you will need to [install the Blockstream Satellite utility](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/install-the-blockstream-satellite-utility).

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Blockstream Satellite > Prepare the Base Station components

## Related Articles in This Section
- [Set up a Blockstream Satellite Kit](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/set-up-a-blockstream-satellite-kit)
- [Prepare the Pro Kit components](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/prepare-the-pro-kit-components)
- [Prepare the Base Station components](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/prepare-the-base-station-components) (current)
- [Assemble the LNB](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/assemble-the-lnb)
- [Set up the Pro Kit receiver](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/set-up-the-pro-kit-receiver)
- [Install the Blockstream Satellite Utility](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/install-the-blockstream-satellite-utility)
- [Configure the Pro Kit receiver](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/configure-the-pro-kit-receiver)
- [Install the satellite antenna](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/install-the-satellite-antenna)
- [Align the satellite antenna](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/align-the-satellite-antenna)
- [Install the Blockstream Satellite node software](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/install-the-blockstream-satellite-node-software)
- [Prepare the Basic Kit components](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/prepare-the-basic-kit-components)
- [Set up the Basic Kit receiver](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/set-up-the-basic-kit-receiver)
- [Configure the Basic Kit receiver](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/blockstream-satellite/set-up-blockstream-satellite-kit/configure-the-basic-kit-receiver)