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đź“„Local Communications for EFTPOS Devices

Direct SmartPOS-to-terminal communication over the venue network

Overview

Local Communications in bepoz allows SmartPOS (using Oolio Pay) to communicate directly with supported EFTPOS terminals over the venue’s local network (Wi‑Fi or LAN), rather than routing payment requests through an acquirer cloud platform.

In this model, Oolio Pay acts as the EFTPOS provider, supporting multiple acquirers. Local Communications is a platform capability within bepoz and is available for selected acquirers and EFTPOS devices.

This feature is designed to improve transaction responsiveness and resilience by reducing dependency on external cloud connectivity for SmartPOS‑to‑terminal communication. All communication between SmartPOS and the EFTPOS terminal is encrypted to maintain payment security.

How Local Communications works

1. What is Local Communications?

When Local Communications is enabled, SmartPOS sends Oolio Pay payment requests directly to the EFTPOS terminal using the terminal’s local IP address. The EFTPOS terminal then communicates with its configured acquirer to authorise the transaction and returns the result to SmartPOS.

This differs from a cloud‑based communication model, where SmartPOS sends the payment request to an external cloud service operated by the EFTPOS provider or acquirer, which then forwards it to the EFTPOS terminal.

In simple terms:

  • Cloud communication: SmartPOS → Acquirer Cloud → EFTPOS terminal

  • Local communication: SmartPOS → EFTPOS terminal (direct)

In both models, payment authorisation is still performed by the acquirer. Local Communications only changes the communication path between SmartPOS and the EFTPOS terminal.

 

2. Benefits of Local Communications

Local Communications can be beneficial in venues where speed and reliability at the point of payment are important:

  • Faster transaction initiation by reducing network hops

  • Improved resilience when the local network is stable but internet connectivity is intermittent

  • Reduced reliance on cloud connectivity for SmartPOS‑to‑terminal messaging

 

3. Network and Security Considerations

Because payment data is transmitted over the local network, communication between SmartPOS and the EFTPOS terminal is encrypted and secured using authentication certificates or keys.

For reliable operation:

  • EFTPOS terminals should be configured with a static IP address

  • SmartPOS must be able to consistently reach the terminal over the venue’s local network

If the EFTPOS terminal’s IP address changes, the device configuration in bepoz will need to be updated.

 

Supported EFTPOS devices

Local Communications is available for selected EFTPOS devices supported by bepoz. Whether this feature can be used depends on the EFTPOS device model, the software version installed, and how the device is configured.

Some EFTPOS devices may support Local Communications only in specific configurations, while others may not support it at all. This behaviour is determined by the device capabilities and its payment configuration, rather than a venue setting.

bepoz Support can confirm whether Local Communications is supported for your EFTPOS device and explain any limitations before it is enabled.

Local Communications and 4G fallback

Local Communications should not be confused with 4G fallback functionality.

  • Local Communications defines how SmartPOS communicates with the EFTPOS terminal over the local network.

  • 4G fallback defines how the EFTPOS terminal connects to the internet if its primary connection is unavailable.

If an EFTPOS device is configured to use Local Communications only, SmartPOS communicates with the terminal via the local network. If the terminal loses local network connectivity and switches to 4G fallback, SmartPOS may no longer be able to reach the terminal.

Some environments support configurations where both cloud and local communication paths are available, allowing either cloud‑first or local‑first behaviour depending on acquirer capabilities and configuration.

When should I use Local Communications?

Local Communications is best suited to venues where:

  • SmartPOS and EFTPOS terminals operate on a stable, well‑managed local network

  • Fast transaction response times are important during busy service periods

  • Internet connectivity may be inconsistent, but local Wi‑Fi or LAN remains reliable

Local Communications may not be suitable if:

  • EFTPOS terminals frequently change IP addresses

  • The local network is unstable or poorly managed

  • SmartPOS‑to‑terminal communication is expected to function when the terminal is operating solely via 4G fallback

If you are unsure whether Local Communications is appropriate for your venue, contact bepoz Support before enabling it.

Getting Local Communications set up

Local Communications requires specific configuration details (including encryption keys/certificates) that are provided by bepoz.

To discuss whether this feature is suitable for your environment, or to arrange setup assistance, contact bepoz Support:

bepoz Support information

 

Common misconceptions

Local Communications is sometimes misunderstood. The following points help clarify what it does and does not do:

  • Local Communications does not enable offline payments
    EFTPOS terminals must still be able to contact their acquirer to authorise transactions.

  • Local Communications is not the same as 4G fallback
    Local Communications affects SmartPOS‑to‑terminal communication, while 4G fallback relates to how the terminal connects to the internet.

  • Local Communications does not bypass acquirer processing
    Payments are still authorised and processed by the acquirer. Local Communications only changes the communication path between SmartPOS and the EFTPOS terminal.

  • Local Communications still relies on a stable local network
    A reliable network and static IP configuration are important for consistent operation.

Understanding these distinctions helps ensure Local Communications is deployed appropriately and avoids unexpected behaviour during service.

Summary

Local Communications in bepoz allows SmartPOS (using Oolio Pay) to communicate directly with supported EFTPOS terminals over the venue’s local network. By reducing reliance on cloud‑based communication paths, it can improve transaction performance and resilience in suitable environments, provided network, acquirer, and device requirements are met.

 

bepoz v4.8.2.1