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Terminal Ethernet or Wi-Fi Setup

November 21, 2024

Description

How to set up Ethernet or Wi-Fi network connections on a PAX payment terminal and troubleshoot connection issues

What's in this article?

Terminals can connect to your router with an Ethernet cable or through Wi-Fi. The system works best with an Ethernet connection in your store. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, we highly recommend using a Wi-Fi that is dedicated to your business and ensuring your connection is configured for privacy. Your wireless router manufacturer should have provided instructions for ensuring appropriate setup. 

NOTE
Dial-up connection via a phone line is not supported.

Enable wired Ethernet

If your terminal has an Ethernet port, connecting the terminal to your internet router using an Ethernet cable is the recommended option. 

Ethernet Port connections

For some devices, the Ethernet port connections are located on the charging base.

Smart Register E800

The Ethernet ports are located on the device. Either port can be used.

 Smart Register E800 Ethernet LAN Port

Smart Terminal E700

The Ethernet port is located on the device.

Smart Terminal E700 Ethernet LAN Port

Portable A920

The Portable A920 has two charging base options. The Ethernet port is located on the optional Portable A920 Charging Base with Communications Port. The standard A920 Charging Base provides power connectivity only.

Portable A60

The Ethernet port is located on the A60 Docking Station with Printer.

A60 Docking Station Ethernet LAN Port

Countertop A80

The Ethernet port is located on the device.

 Countertop A80 Ethernet LAN Port

To enable wired Ethernet connection
  1. Select the Settings icon on the Home screen.
  2. Enter the password and tap OK. 
  3. Select Ethernet.
  4. Toggle Ethernet on (if it is not already).
To add a static IP address for Ethernet connection
  1. Tap Settings on the Home screen.
  2. Enter the password using the onscreen keyboard and tap OK. 
  3. Tap Ethernet on the Settings screen. The Ethernet screen appears showing the current Ethernet settings. 
  4. Tap Ethernet Configuration.
  5. Tap Static IP.
  6. Enter the Static IP information that is necessary to connect to the router in the proper fields. 
  7. Tap Save to finalize the Static IP connection.

Enable Wi-Fi

If connecting using Wi-Fi, we recommend using a Wi-Fi that is dedicated to your business.

NOTE
Hotspots are supported for Wi-Fi connectivity; however, we do not recommend them for Essentials, Retail, Essentials Light or Restaurant Solutions due to increased latency and connection issues.

To enable Wi-Fi
  1. Tap Settings on the device home screen.
  2. Enter the password using the touch screen keyboard, then tap the green check mark.

    Settings screen with "Please Input Password" message and a keyboard at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Tap OK to open the Settings options.
  4. Tap Wi-Fi.

    Settings screen with Wi-fi as the first option under "Wireless & Networks" options.
  5. Tap the desired Wi-Fi network on the list of available networks.

    NOTE: If a network is not secured, it will not appear as an available network.


    Wi-Fi menu with a list of networks the device can see.
  6. Type the Wi-Fi password into the Password field using the onscreen keyboard, then tap Connect.

    Password prompt for the selected Wi-Fi Network and the onscreen keyboard.

    • If the payment terminal successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network, you will see the word Connected under the Wi-Fi network.

      Wi-Fi menu with one of the networks now showing "Connected" beneath it's name.
To manually set up Wi-Fi

If the Wi-Fi network is not broadcast or is private, the IP information will need to be manually entered.

  1. Tap Settings on the Home screen.
  2. Enter the password using the onscreen keyboard and click on the green check mark. 
  3. Click OK. 
  4. Tap Wi-Fi .
  5. Tap ⋮ to open the submenu and then tap Add network to manually add the hidden network.

    available networks list
  6. Enter the SSID of the Wi-Fi network and then tap the down arrow next to None.

    Add network input
  7. Choose a Wi-Fi Security setting: WEP or WPA/WPA2 PSK.
  8. Enter the password using the onscreen keyboard and tap Save to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
To set up static IP for Wi-Fi

Follow these steps to set up a static IP:

  1. Tap Settings on the Home screen.
  2. Enter the password using the onscreen keyboard and tap the green check mark button.
  3. Tap OK. 
  4. Tap Wi-Fi on the Settings screen.
  5. Tap the desired Wi-Fi network on the list of available networks. 
  6. Type the Wi-Fi password into the Password field using the onscreen keyboard.
  7. Tap Advanced Options.


    Wi-Fi password input
  8. Tap the down arrow to the right of "None".
     Proxy dropdown
  9. Tap Manual.

    proxy dropdown options
  10. Tap on the green check mark to hide the keyboard.
  11. Select IP settings from the dropdown list.

    IP settings
  12. Tap Static to enable Static IP.
  13. Enter the Static IP information that is necessary to connect to the router using the payment terminal touch screen keypad in the proper fields.

    static IP input
  14. Once the new information has been added, tap Connect to finalize the Static IP connection.


Having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi?

If you are having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, try the following first: 

  • Check that the Wi-Fi icon is visible and Wi-Fi connection is enabled, then try the transaction again. 
  • Power cycle the terminal and try the transaction again. If Wi-Fi is connected after the terminal is already powered up, the terminal should detect the connection upon the next communication attempt and does not require power cycle.
  • Ensure the security protocols for your router are set to WPA or WPA2. You cannot use the older WEP or WAP formats.
  • Ensure your terminal is connected to a secured network that requires a password. Unsecured networks will not appear in the available networks list and a terminal will not connect to an unsecured network.

If you still are having trouble, some common troubleshooting scenarios are provided below:

Wi-Fi network does not appear 

If your Wi-Fi network does not appear in the available networks list, see below:

  • If your network is not secured, it will not appear as an available network.
  • Ensure that an Ethernet cable is not connected to the payment terminal. 
  • Your PC or laptop should display a list of all available local wireless networks. If your wireless network doesn't appear after several minutes, verify that you are in range of your router or modem by moving closer to the device.
  • If you are using a hotspot, ensure that your hotspot is connected to the cellular network.
  • If your network is secured and still doesn't appear, disable and re-enable your wireless network adapter:
    • Look for your laptop or MacBook's Network Adapter on/off switch and switch it to off, wait a few seconds and switch it back on.

      NOTE: If you cannot find the switch or are using a PC, go to the Windows device manager and turn the wireless network adapter off and then turn it back on.

    • If using a hotspot, switch the hotspot off and on again.
  • If your wireless network is secured and still does not appear, your wireless router may be configured to not broadcast a network name. If so, follow the directions provided by your laptop or PC for manually adding a network to your list of preferred networks.
Wi-Fi network appears but will not connect

If you can see the name of your wireless network on your list of available networks but are having trouble connecting:

  • Confirm that the name of your network is entered correctly. Your router may have a sticker that lists the network name and/or password.
  • Make sure that you entered your password correctly. Most passwords are lengthy and a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. 
  • If using an iPhone as a hotspot, ensure that you enter the dashes in the password.
  • Your wireless router may not be broadcasting at a frequency band that is compatible with the payment terminal or that doesn't work well for your environment. We recommend the 2.4GHz option in most cases. Change your router frequency band, following your router manufacturer's directions. 
    Terminal models, their hardware version and their supported Wi-Fi Bandwidth
    Payment TerminalHardware VersionSupported Wi-Fi Bandwidth
    A80V10 (deployed after 2022) The number 10 is printed on the paper cover, below the Contactless logo2.4 or 5 GHz
    A80V6 or V7 (deployed prior to 2022)2.4 GHz
    A920All2.4 GHz
    E700All2.4 or 5 GHz
    E800All2.4 or 5 GHz

    If needed, refer to your router manufacturer's support for additional assistance.

  • If your network and password are correct, but you still can't connect, try removing and reconnecting to the network
    Remove and reconnect network
    1. On the terminal, open Settings, entering the password when prompted.
    2. Tap Wi-Fi.
    3. Tap on your network name
    4. Tap Forget.
    5. Tap On toggle to turn off the Wi-Fi. 
    6. Power the terminal off and then back on again.
    7. Return to Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
    8. Tap On to turn on the Wi-Fi.
    9. Select and connect to a known network name with a confirmed password.
Try connecting to the Wi-Fi network with another device

If you are still having trouble, try connecting another device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or laptop, using the same password. If the second device won't connect, check that your Wi-Fi network is working properly and that your password is correct.

Verify that your Wi-Fi network modem and wireless router are working correctly

Verify that the power cord is connected and that all the device indicator lights on your wireless router and/or your modem are on as illustrated in the manufacturer's documentation.

If the indicator lights are not on or not blinking properly, you may have to reset your wireless router and/or modem as instructed in the manufacturer's documentation.

If you are using a hotspot, ensure that your hotspot is connected to the cellular network.

I forgot my password for the router, now what?

Reset your Wi-Fi password by connecting your computer directly to your wireless router and using your wireless router's "Web User Interface" as instructed in the manufacturer's documentation. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer for resetting the password.

Troubleshoot network issues

If you suspect that your internet connection is unstable, you can attempt a PING from the terminal to either your router or an outside server. 

To ping test a connection


  1. From the Payments (Payments P2PE) application, tap the FUNC tab.
  2. Tap Ping. URL and Ping Timeout(ms) fields will default. The Timeout(ms) value determines how long the app will wait before ending a connection test.
  3.  Tap Confirm. Ping Test results will display. The packet loss should say 0%. Lost packets indicate an unstable connection.
  4. Use the following table to troubleshoot the results of the ping test, then tap OK. issue and troubleshooting task.

    scenario and troubleshooting task
    If Then
    Network ping succeedsContinue troubleshooting other options.
    Network ping fails
    Error message: Unknown domain! please check your input appears.
    An image of a screenshot of the A80/A920 with a popup that the network ping failed.    		Repeat the process to test the router connection.
    Router ping succeeds, unable to run transactionInternet service may be down. You should check your internet service by checking other equipment in your facility to see if it is working or by calling your internet service provider.
    Often after a service interruption, your router may need to be powered off and back on to restore the connection.
    After power cycle, wait at least 2 minutes before trying the transaction again.
    Router ping failsThe terminal is unable to connect to the router. Contact your router manufacturer. 


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