[jacquesm]

They could use laser based comms from one satellite to another:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_communication_in_space

But optical signal amplification is a trick that really only works when you are on a very long run where the signal gets attenuated to the point that you need to boost it. There is no routing option in such a system, it is essentially point-to-point with in-line amplifiers.

So even if they may use laser based comms I don't think optical amplification will be used, the more likely avenue is to decode the optical signal, decide where it has to go next and then fire off another burst.

Alternatively they may use radio waves instead of lasers, I'm not sure what system SpaceX will use for this particular system, given the accuracy required for laser based communications I would assume they will use radio.

[jacquesm]

I've been reading some more about StarLink, apparently they did a test using lasers so probably that's what they will use for satellite-to-satellite communications, and radio to the ground because of atmospheric interference and sensitivity to rain and clouds.

https://www.cnet.com/news/spacex-starlink-satellite-broadban...