The Arryved systems function off a wireless network (WiFi). Unreliable WiFi or physical hardware issues will affect your daily operations and guest satisfaction. A properly installed and configured network is critical for optimal use of Arryved products. This article provides a checklist of required and recommended hardware you will need depending on the size of your establishment.
Prerequisites
Read Introduction To Network Success to consider whether your space needs a basic or business grade setup.
If network knowledge is not your expertise, you will likely need to involve an IT/Network specialist in this process.
Basic Hardware Requirements (small space)
If you have a smaller establishment with minimal rooms, indoor only space, few possible interferences, and few devices for over the counter service only, you may be able to have success with the easier and more cost effective option. With this method, you will just need a reliable router and modem and a 2-in-1. Read the recommendations below to ensure you have a router that is conducive to your business.
Please note that if you are planning to grow your business by space or level of service, you may want to consider setting yourself up with a more advanced hardware option for future success.
You will use the modem given to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It may be the case that your modem and router are a 2-in-1 singular device. If this is the case, and you are replacing your router to meet the requirements below, you will need to replace it with another 2-in-1 device.
A router is the piece of hardware that connects your unique private network to the internet. Here are a few examples of routers Arryved likes to recommend if you are unsure where to start.
TP-Link Archer AX50
Synology RT2600AC
ASUS RT-AX3000
Must be a commercial router.
Can broadcast both 2.4GHz + 5 GHz bands.
Has a large range of coverage (roughly 115ft line-of-sight range).
Can connect to 40+ devices at once reliably.
Ability to have separate network segments (for POS, guests, office, etc.).
Can prioritize WiFi networks. For example, save bandwidth for POS. devices and limit it for guest devices. This is known as Dynamic QoS.
Advanced Hardware Requirements (mid-large space)
If you are a larger establishment with multiple rooms or levels, an outdoor space, and other possible interferences, you will need the advanced hardware setup with multiple Wireless Access Points (WAPs). Read the hardware recommendations below to ensure you have everything you need to promote network success in your larger establishment.
A router is the piece of hardware that connects your unique local network to the internet. Here are a few examples of routers Arryved likes to recommend if you are unsure where to start.
Peplink Balance 20X
Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4
ASUS RT-AX88U
Must be a commercial router.
Can broadcast both 2.4GHz + 5 GHz bands.
Has a large range of coverage (roughly 115ft line-of-sight range).
Can connect to 40+ devices at once reliably.
Ability to have separate network segments (for POS, guests, office, etc.).
Can prioritize WiFi networks. For example, save bandwidth for POS. devices and limit it for guest devices. This is known as Dynamic QoS.
A switch is a piece of hardware that offers additional ethernet ports (POEs) to connect ethernet cables to your network router if your router does not have enough ports for your needs. Do not use more than 300ft of cable when installing a WAP without a second router running in Bridge Mode. PoE ports are required for WAPs. Below is a list of compatible switches Arryved likes to recommend, other switches may be compatible as well.
A managed switch or a managed switch with PoE if access points are needed:
TP-Link T2600G (24-Port PoE)
Netgear GS108PEv3 (8-Port PoE)
Netgear GS310TP (10-Port PoE)
TP-Link TL-SG1016DE (16-Port)
TP-Link TL-SG108E (8-Port)
Netgear GS308T (8-Port)
UniFi Switch Flex (5-Port PoE)
UniFi Switch 8 PoE (8-Port PoE)
A wireless Access Point is an additional device that can expand the wireless network signal farther and to more devices. WAPs are necessary if you need WiFi access to multiple rooms, multiple levels, outdoor spaces, or if there are any physical interferences. A WAP acts as an extension to your router. Below are examples of Arryved recommended WAPs, but there are other options you may consider. Range of WiFI connection may vary.
Indoor: Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LR-US
PoE +.
Range up to 500ft
Outdoor: Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M-PRO
Weatherproof
PoE +.
Range up to 500ft
Hardwiring is always more reliable than a wireless option. The more chances you have to use cables to connect hardware, the better. Printers are strongly recommended to be Ethernet wired to your router or switch. An Ethernet (PoE) cable is required to connect each WAP to the router. You will need 1 cable per WAP, if your router does not have enough cable ports, a switch is needed. POS tablets and devices do not need to be hardwired, it is best to leave them wireless for service mobility.
Hardware To Avoid
If you are using an old router you already have in possession, it is important to review the requirements above or ask an IT Specialist to ensure your router is not obsolete.
These devices create a mesh network that spreads WiFi throughout your space, but because they have no physical connection to the router, that WiFi signal quickly weakens due to distance and walls. Review our access point recommendations if you need to increase your WiFi coverage.
This product has led to lost orders from connection timeouts that cannot be avoided by network configuration changes. These devices are great for home and small office use but cannot deliver the reliability of the routers suggested above.
Linksys devices are not conducive to business environments, they are best for personal use. Cisco devices are generally designed for enterprise environments with multiple floors and hundreds or thousands of connected clients. They're expensive and not as user-friendly.
Netgear Nighthawk devices promise the fastest speeds, but be careful with the specific models as many are designed to provide that speed and bandwidth priority to select gaming devices, resulting in poor performance for POS environments.
Boosters or Extenders are sometimes used in place of a Wireless Access Point (WAP). However, we do not recommend this, you will want to use a WAP instead. A booster or extender will perpetuate a signal that already exists and may be weak. WAPs create their own stronger signal that bypasses other less optimal signals.
Now that you have the hardware for your establishment’s network needs, read the Network Setup Guide for basic and advanced setup recommendations.