This article covers the essential aspects of setting up your network for optimal use with Lightspeed Restaurant. We’ll discuss recommended hardware, network setup, and basic network troubleshooting steps. Understanding these elements will help you create a stable and efficient environment for your Lightspeed system.
Choosing the right hardware
Optimizing your network’s performance begins with your hardware. This includes network hardware, such as routers, but also POS hardware, such as printers. Here are some considerations to make during the hardware purchasing phase.
Network hardware
- Use a dedicated router for your Lightspeed POS devices, printers, and payment terminals to avoid interference with other internet-connected hardware (for example, security cameras).
- Purchase a LiteServer to protect your business from the effects of an internet outage. A LiteServer enables you to perform certain essential business functions in Lightspeed while your connection is out.
Printers
- LAN-based receipt and kitchen printers are the most reliable due to their hardwired connection to your network.
- Avoid using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printers in a kitchen or other environment containing interference-causing devices (for example, electric motors or cordless phones) or large physical barriers (for example, large metal appliances).
Payment terminals
Consider purchasing a payment terminal with 4G capability. If your main internet goes offline, you’ll be able to process standalone payments via the cellular connection.
Setting up your network
This section explores best practices for the setup and configuration of your network for use with Lightspeed Restaurant. Physical setup focuses on hardware placement and connections, while network configuration involves setting up protocols for secure and efficient communication.
Physical setup
If you don’t know how altering the physical setup of your network will affect it, consult an IT professional before making changes. Lightspeed Support cannot troubleshoot or assist with network hardware purchased outside of Lightspeed
Router placement |
Set up your router in an open, central, elevated area. This area should be:
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Network infrastructure |
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Internet speed | POS devices must have a minimum download connection speed of 20 Mbps. Perform a speed test from each device to verify this. |
Wi-Fi strength |
Test Wi-Fi coverage on each POS device at peak times to ensure signal strength stays between -67dBm and -30dBm when at full customer capacity. For roaming POS devices, ensure there is sufficient coverage in every part of the restaurant. If necessary, add additional access points to your network or move existing ones to increase signal coverage and connection reliability for all devices.
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iOS / iPadOS settings |
Configure the network settings on each iOS or iPadOS device to our recommended standards. This can help prevent potential disruption to certain POS functions.
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Network configuration
If you don’t know how altering the configuration of your network will affect it, consult an IT professional before making changes. Lightspeed Support cannot troubleshoot or assist with network hardware purchased outside of Lightspeed
Network architecture |
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Wi-Fi |
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Firewall | Configure your firewall to allow open communication between your devices and Lightspeed. For more detailed guidance, continue reading. |
Ports | Open networks ports 443 and 8443 to allow devices and hardware to communicate with each other and with Lightspeed’s cloud servers. |
Domains |
Whitelist network traffic to and from:
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IP addresses | There are no specific IP addresses you need to whitelist. |
Features to disable | Turn off wireless isolation, access point isolation, client isolation, or any other features that limit the ability of devices on your network to communicate with each other. |
Other considerations |
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Basic troubleshooting for network issues
The first step for any tech troubleshooting is to make sure everything is still plugged in and turned on. As obvious as it may seem, this simple check can save you lots of headaches.
Further steps include:
- Ensure that network cables are not damaged and securely connected at both ends. They should click into place when plugged into devices.
- Look for status and power lights on each device where available. All devices that require power should be connected and switched on.
- If your printers are using the Ethernet connection, they should be plugged into the Ethernet ports on the back of the modem/router - these are usually marked 1, 2, 3, 4. Using ports marked as Internet or WAN will not work.
- Ensure your tablet is on the same network as your printers.
- As a last resort, you can always turn everything off, wait 10 seconds, and then turn everything back on again.