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Connect Network Setup

Set up your network to install Penny and Pulse devices in your laundromat using the access point and UDM router you received from Cents.

C
Written by Cosden Leahey
Updated this week

In order to set up the Wi-Fi network in your store to support Cents payment devices, a router, access point(s), and PoE injector(s) are required. This guide takes you step-by-step through the installation process.

Required Materials

  1. Unifi Dream Machine router (UDM)

  2. Access Point (quantity dependent on store)

  3. PoE+ Injector (quantity dependent on number of APs)

  4. ~12” Ethernet Cable (quantity dependent on number of APs)

  5. Store dependent length Ethernet Cable (must be routed from Router location to ceiling, quantity dependent on number of APs)

WARNING: Do NOT reset the access point via the reset button.

The first step is to install the UDM router. The UDM router will be used to provide local area network (LAN) service to each PoE+ injector. The injector(s) will be powered by 120 VAC wall power and connected to the router as shown.

  • GREEN ARROW: Ethernet (LAN) connected to each PoE+ injector (use any of the four ports)

  • BLUE ARROW: Ethernet (LAN) from existing ISP router into the UDM

  • RED ARROW: 120VAC Power In

The Unifi Access Point can be seen below.

Note: Ethernet cables are not provided and must be either purchased in pre-terminated lengths according to usage or terminated with spooled cable.

Below an AP is shown with its provided bracket. There are various brackets Unifi provides that may be useful for mounting to drywall, drop-ceiling, and other common constructions.

Take care to mount the AP(s) with roughly equal physical spacing throughout the store, generally covering the overall space where devices are mounted as evenly as possible.

Seen below is the PoE+ injector, and the AC power cable. Note the port with a red label provides PoE+ to the AP, and the LAN port will be connected to the router.

Network Diagram

The diagram above shows the network environment with one or two access points.

NOTE: It is important to limit the amount of networking equipment that is plugged in to the Cents router, such as cameras, firewalls, etc. and optimally there is no equipment not explicitly noted in this document.

A PoE+ cable will connect the PoE+ injector(s) to the AP(s). The circular LED on the LED will alight, showing that power is provided to the device. Cents support will independently verify internet connection and provision the network accordingly.

Route the AP(s) with Ethernet cable accordingly.

Sample Photos

Note that below the UDM router isn't shown, but the concept is the same with any router.

FAQs

  1. My ISP provided router has no more open LAN ports. What do I do?

    1. In this case, you will need to add an Ethernet switch. An Ethernet switch will expand the number of available LAN ports. These can be purchased inexpensively at electronics stores like Best Buy, Amazon, etc. If more than one AP is used, see FAQ 2) below.

  2. Can I use a PoE switch instead of a PoE injector?

    1. Yes. In some cases with 2+ APs, Cents may provide a PoE+ switch. However, it is important to note that the APs require higher power than standard PoE, which is called PoE+. To see what your switch provides, look for the identifier: 802.3af (PoE) or 802.3at (PoE+).

    2. See the diagram below:

  3. What do the colors mean on my AP?

    1. Steady Blue: This is good. The AP is connected to power and to the internet.

    2. Steady White: The AP is not configured to the network. Contact Cents.

    3. Slowly Blinking White: The AP is powering up.

    4. Quickly Blinking White: The AP has a power problem. Check connections on the PoE+ switch or injector and power cycle the AP.

    5. Quickly Flashing White/Blue: The AP's firmware is being upgraded. This should resolve itself after a few minutes.

    6. Slowly Flashing Blue/Off: The AP is not connected to the internet. Check the connections on the PoE+ switch or injector and ensure that there is ISP-level internet service to the router.

    7. No Light: The AP is not connected to power. Check the connections on the PoE+ switch or injector.
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