Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

📄Wi-Fi Best Practices

Reliable connectivity for POS, EFTPOS, and venue operations

Overview

A stable network is critical to the reliable operation of point-of-sale and payment devices. Poor Wi-Fi or network performance can lead to slow transactions, dropped connections, or service interruptions during busy periods.

This article outlines Wi-Fi and network best practices for venues using bepoz, covering common hardware types including POS tills, EFTPOS devices, tablets, SmartPDE devices, and self-service kiosks. Following these guidelines helps ensure consistent performance across all devices.

Use wired connections wherever possible

Standalone POS tills (Windows OS)

Standalone POS tills supplied for bepoz environments are designed for wired Ethernet operation only. These models do not include Wi-Fi chipsets, as a wired network connection is required for normal POS operation.

A wired connection ensures the POS till can reliably communicate with the rest of the system during service, including sending sales data and maintaining up-to-date information.

Using a wired connection provides:

  • Maximum stability

  • Lower latency

  • Consistent performance during peak service periods

If a POS till is not connected via Ethernet, this should be corrected as a priority, as reliable POS operation depends on a physical network connection.

Use business-grade networking equipment

Consumer-grade routers and access points are often designed for light home use and can struggle in busy hospitality environments.

Venues should use:

  • Business-grade routers and switches

  • Commercial wireless access points (WAPs) designed for high device density

  • Proper network cabling and power protection

Routers, switches, and wireless access points (WAPs) should remain powered during service; an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is recommended where possible.

This is especially important when supporting EFTPOS devices, POS tablets, SmartPDE devices, self-service kiosks, and other connected systems simultaneously.

Ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage

EFTPOS, tablets, SmartPDE devices, and kiosks

Devices that rely on Wi-Fi must operate within areas of strong, consistent signal coverage.

Best practices include:

  • Installing sufficient WAPs to cover all service areas

  • Avoiding dead zones, kitchens with heavy equipment, and enclosed metal areas

  • Positioning WAPs away from microwaves, refrigeration units, and thick walls

Intermittent signal strength can result in delayed payments or temporary device disconnections.

Wi-Fi signal indicators and connectivity

A Wi-Fi signal icon on a device only indicates that the device is connected to a wireless relay and the strength of that local signal. It does not confirm that the internet connection is available or that external services are reachable.

In some situations, a device may display a strong Wi-Fi signal even when the internet connection is offline or unstable. For this reason, a connected Wi-Fi icon alone should not be used as confirmation that POS or payment services will function correctly.

Avoid network congestion

Guest Wi-Fi, staff devices, streaming services, and other connected equipment can compete for bandwidth.

Where possible:

  • Separate POS and payment traffic from guest Wi-Fi

  • Use network prioritisation or segmentation

  • Limit non-essential devices on the business network

Streaming music services can also contribute to congestion. Many music applications buffer or pre-download tracks to ensure uninterrupted playback, which may continue even when real-time services are experiencing delays or connectivity issues. Music playing smoothly does not necessarily indicate that the network is stable for POS or payment processing.

Common real-world factors that affect Wi-Fi reliability

Even when a network appears to be working normally, certain real-world conditions common in hospitality venues can impact Wi-Fi reliability for POS and payment devices. Below are some examples.

1. Kitchen equipment interference

Commercial kitchens contain equipment that can interfere with wireless signals, including microwaves, large motors, stainless steel surfaces, and enclosed prep areas.
This interference may not disconnect devices entirely, but can cause intermittent signal degradation that affects real-time services such as EFTPOS and POS communications.

 

2. Cloud backups and automatic updates

Many devices automatically perform cloud backups or download software updates in the background. These processes can consume significant bandwidth without obvious warning.

Where possible:

  • Disable automatic updates on POS-related devices

  • Schedule updates and backups outside of trading hours

This helps prevent unexpected network congestion during service.

 

3. Roaming between wireless access points

Mobile devices such as POS tablets and SmartPDE devices may move between wireless access points (WAPs) as staff move around the venue.

Poorly configured roaming can cause brief connection drops that may not be noticeable to users, but are enough to interrupt payments or device-to-device communication.

 

4. Smart TVs and digital signage

Smart TVs, menu boards, and digital signage often stream content continuously. While these devices may appear low impact individually, they can place ongoing demand on the network.

Where possible, these devices should:

  • Operate on a separate or non-prioritised network

  • Avoid sharing the same network priority as POS and payment devices

 

5. Venue PCs and office computers

Office PCs and back-of-house computers often run background processes such as operating system updates, cloud file synchronisation, antivirus scans, and browser-based applications. These activities can consume significant bandwidth and place additional load on network equipment.

Where possible, updates and backups on venue PCs should be scheduled outside of trading hours, and non-essential applications should be limited during service.

 

EFTPOS and Local Communications considerations

EFTPOS PINpad devices and Local Communications setups may operate over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a combination of network types.

Key recommendations:

  • Use Ethernet for EFTPOS devices where supported

  • Ensure Wi-Fi signal strength is strong and stable if Ethernet is not available

  • Confirm any 4G fallback SIM is active, tested, and has adequate signal

Local device communication depends on the venue’s internal network, not just internet speed.

 

Wi-Fi and 4G fallback

4G fallback is designed for resilience during outages, generally not as a primary connection.
Frequent switching between Wi-Fi and 4G may indicate underlying network instability that should be addressed.

 

POS tablets and SmartPDE devices

POS tablets and SmartPDE devices may operate on Windows or Android operating systems and typically rely on Wi-Fi connectivity.

Best practices include:

  • Operating devices within strong Wi-Fi coverage zones

  • Avoiding frequent roaming between WAPs

  • Keeping operating systems and firmware up to date

iOS devices may be used in some environments via Remote Desktop (RDP) to a Windows server. This configuration is more sensitive to network quality and requires especially stable Wi-Fi.

Self-service kiosks (Android OS)

Self-service kiosks rely on consistent connectivity to function correctly.

Recommendations:

  • Provide dedicated or prioritised Wi-Fi where possible

  • Avoid placing kiosks at the edge of Wi-Fi coverage

  • Test connectivity during peak trading periods

Where supported, a wired Ethernet connection offers the highest level of reliability for fixed kiosks.

Minimise network changes during trading hours

Network disruptions commonly occur during:

  • Router, switch, or WAP reboots

  • Configuration changes

  • ISP maintenance

  • Cabling or power work

Where possible, schedule network changes outside of trading hours to minimise service interruptions.

Summary

A reliable network is essential for smooth POS and payment operations. For best results:

  • Ensure all standalone POS tills are hard-wired

  • Use business-grade networking equipment and WAPs

  • Maintain strong, consistent Wi-Fi coverage

  • Reduce network congestion from non-essential devices

  • Treat 4G fallback as a backup, not a primary connection

  • Keep network equipment powered during service

  • Avoid network changes during trading hours

Following these Wi-Fi best practices helps ensure bepoz operates reliably during both quiet and high-volume trading periods.

 

bepoz v4.8.2.1