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talech Network Requirements

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Joy Ghanekar
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Below are the network requirements, guidelines, and best practices for operating talech. Because talech is a cloud-based solution and offers the ability to connect many different peripherals using modern network technologies, fast, reliable, performance depends on a fast, reliable network in your building as well as a adequate and reliable internet speeds from your ISP.

If you are having issues with your network please complete the following before contacting technical support: 
 
1. Record your WiFi download and upload speed by running a speed test at speedtest.net. You will want to perform the speed test from the location where you most frequently use register equipment for accurate results.
 
2. Record the hard-wired Speed by connecting a computer or laptop via ethernet cable directly to your internet gateway. Be sure to disable the WiFi on your device. Open a browser and navigate to speedtest.net. 
 
3. If you find that the current router you are using does not meet talech network requirements, we recommend the Pronto PC30 Router. You will need to have a network/it technician install it first and then talech will be able to configure the rest. If you are unsure whether you meet the network requirements, a qualified technician should be able to tell you if the Pronto is necessary n order to provide the basic conditions below.
 
Requirements & Best Practices:
  • Make sure that the talech equipment is connected via its own network. A physically separate LAN is best however a properly configured VLAN configuration is perfectly acceptable. No other services should utilize the same LAN or VLAN as the point-of-sale.
  • Guarantee the minimum bandwidth required (3Mbps down/1.5Mbps up per-device at all times)
  • Set static IP's on peripherals, networked card readers, and any other device that is not wired directly to your payment device.
  • Use encrypted WiFi for the POS. talech recommends at least WPA2 AES encryption.
  • Ensure WiFi signal strength is at least -60dBm at all areas where WiFi will be used & WiFi channel is not over saturated by other networks. Wide-bandwidth channels are not recommended.
  • Never allow Guest WiFi networks to share the same LAN or VLAN as the point-of-sale.
  • Limit guest network activity to prevent overuse of the available internet connection during peak hours. If possible, use a second internet connection for non-essential services like Guest WiFi.
  • Avoid connecting talech equipment to the internet router/gateway from your ISP. These devices are not recommended for this use and are not supported by talech.  
Internet type (Cable/DSL/Fiber/Other):
  • Satellite and line-of-sight wireless ISPs are not supported
  • DSL internet is not recommended, especially if other devices must use the same internet connection. 
Internet speed:
Verifiable with speedtest.net
  • Minimum 3Mbps download per host device at all times
  • Minimum 1.5Mbps upload per host device at all times
  • Ping of 50ms or lower:
    • < 50ms = Great!
    • 50-100 = Acceptable
    • 100-150 = Poor
    • > 150 Most likely unusable 

Basic Facility Readiness Checklist:

1. Is there a network specifically for the POS? 

  • If YES: Ensure existing network meets requirements below

2. Is there a Guest network serviced by the same internet connection? 

  • If YES:
  • Is Guest network throttled? (Un-throttled guest wifi may significantly impact the POS during peak hours)
  • Is the Guest WiFi using a separate physical LAN and access points?
  • If YES: Good
  • If NO: Not recommended. Operating Guest WiFi on the same network as the POS can lead to overloading the access points. Too many customer devices can bump POS devices off of the AP.
  • Is the Guest WiFi using a different IP address range from that of the POS?
  • If YES: Good
  • If NO: Not recommended. Guest devices should never be able to reach POS hardware such as printers, card readers, or iPads.
Facility infrastructure:
  • Do you have electrical outlets available at all locations equipment is to be installed?
  • Do you have ethernet drops at all locations wired devices will be installed?
  • Is the wireless coverage area > 1500 Sq Ft?
    • If NO: One router with WiFi located over the area, unobstructed by walls or floors, within 60 feet of the center of the room should be sufficient. Confirm with tests.
    • If YES: Access points may be required if wireless devices will be taken > 60 ft. from the WiFi router.
  • Are there existing or will there be 1 access point per each 10 wireless devices over the coverage area?
POS Wifi:
  • Strongly recommend WPA2 AES encryption
  • Limit AP's to no more than 10 devices per AP concurrently
  • Full-meshed AP's preferred
  • Ensure minimum -60dBm signal strength at all locations WiFi devices are to be used
  • Survey area to ensure WiFi channel(s) are not congested with other networks
POS Network in general:
  • Should all be contained to own LAN or VLAN with dedicated IP address pool not shared with other networks
  • Minimum bandwidth should be available at all times regardless of other services utilizing same internet connection
  • Static IP addresses should be configured via router reservation (following manufacturer recommendations or by talech if Pronto) or device configuration (per instructions in talech Help Center)
Is there a Guest network serviced by the same internet connection

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