Network requirements

Sitoo AB has a specific set of network requirements, which must be followed when installing and running Sitoo POS.

Contents

Physical requirements for Sitoo to run optimally

1. One Standard power socket (Country Dependant) for each printer, each iPad, each card reader and each scanner-server.
2. One Ethernet RJ45 CAT6E cable for each network (ethernet) printer, each network (ethernet) card reader and each network (ethernet) scanner-server you will be connecting to your local switch.
3. One Ethernet RJ45 CAT6E for the switch to dataport (alt from the main switch).

Wifi coverage

• Four full bars of wifi signal displayed on the iPad at all locations where an iPad will be used. Minimum of 10 Mbps.
  

Traffic separation

1. Where a broadband line will be shared between Sitoo POS and other services – such as staff wifi, customer wifi, surveillance or music streaming – you must separate out a discreet part of the network solely for use by Sitoo POS.
2. You should do this using a dedicated Wi-Fi access point for Sitoo POS traffic where possible.
3. If this is not feasible, you can separate traffic instead by splitting the network into dedicated VLAN’s from the router, with Sitoo POS traffic being assigned to VLAN 0 (Highest priority) and other traffic being separated to VLAN (virtual local area network) 1, 2, 3.
4. It may also be necessary to limit the bandwidth allocation on VLAN 1, 2, 3 to ensure traffic priority is given to Sitoo POS.
   

General

1. In store Sitoo POS needs a shared wired/wireless network.
2. To secure the connection between the iPad and the other devices, we recommend locking the ip address in the router based on the MAC address.

Band and channel selection

1. For any location using mobile iPads, a dual-band router or access point must be installed, with all Sitoo POS Wi-Fi traffic being set up on the 5GHZ wifi band.
2. All other wifi traffic should use the 2.4GHZ band.
3. The least congested Wi-Fi channel must be used for Sitoo POS (particularly where multiple access points are in use). However this is taken care of per automatik with recommend providers HP Aruba and Cisco clean air technology.

Bonjour service and device discovery

1. Bonjour service must be enabled on your network or set up with port forwarding where required.
2. Device discovery must also be enabled on your network.
3. MPLS is a recommended option with overview and surveillance of the entire store chain.
4. Global sites that cannot be included in the MPLS are recommended to have individual firewalls with routed traffic to the MPLS node for inclusion in the overview.
   

Incompatible network equipment

Sitoo AB will not guarantee the reliable operation of Sitoo POS if home routers such as netgear and ASUS and even the cheaper models of ubiquity in store. Please check with your ISP provider or Sitoo if the Access-point is manageable and can be remotely configured and tested prior to the rollout.

Incompatible software

No streaming services (e.g. Spotify, Sonos, etc.) should be installed or used on the same iPad or even on the same network as Sitoo POS. These services take priority on the network and can cause printer/cash drawer delays or payment errors. You can stream music to a separate VLAN (virtual local area network) if you can enable this on your router settings.

Summary of Recommended Network Set-Up

1. MPLS provider router (Cisco series) or equivalent
2. Cisco Clean Air equivalent business-grade, dual-band AP, HP Aruba, Ubiquity dual-band
3. Managed Network switch for POE in the stores office connected to the Internet service providers router.
4. Unmanaged 1 Gigabit Network Switches for connecting printers and access points to iPads, DLINK 4/8/16 Ports. This is otherwise referred to as front office.
5. Correct length cables to avoid twists and damage and to provide faster access.
6. Coloured cables to easier identify network, card-reader,usb-scanner, internet to switch and access point and printer (Red, Green, Yellow, blue and so on).
   

Summary of Recommended Network Settings

1. Each POS normally needs an iPad (Wireless) and 2-3 wired connections. (Receipt Printer, Card Terminal and Barcode Scanner). 3 or more Data Ports per POS should be available in the POS area for shorter cabling and to avoid bridging. Though, if this is not possible, the use of a switch in the checkout area is permitted.
2. Card readers, receipt printer and scanner-server should have fixed IP addresses.
   1. Nets
   2. Verifone
   3. Bambora
   4. Adyen  
3. 4G Router should be used only in emergency and as a fail-over solution for internet/Access point failure. Offline POS cannot be guaranteed on access points that fail to meet the criteria of Sitoo project management team. Offline is reliant on that there is an IP address available for the POS to communicate to the associated devices. In case of a power failure to the access-point please be aware of the consequences for the POS in both online and offline scenarios. For larger stores, redundancy can be created by having 2 access points mounted in the ceiling. We recommend the use of mesh networks in terms of mobility.
4. Access points should be mounted in the ceiling facing downwards for maximum effect. Built in POE is preferred in the access point to avoid cable damage. In order to have POE in your Access point in store a smart switch should be installed in your store environment that can provide POE to the Access point.