Cents payment devices (Penny and Pulse) connect to the internet through a dedicated Cents WiFi network (VLAN) in your store. It's made up of a router, one or more access points, and PoE+ injectors. This guide walks you through installing it.
Use this if you're setting up the Cents network at a new store, adding an access point, or checking why your devices are offline.
Which setup do you have?
Cents router (UDM) setup: stores installed after December 2025 get a Unifi Dream Machine (UDM) router from Cents. Follow the main steps below.
Access point only: older stores that only received access points plug them into the router from your internet provider. See "Older setup: access points only" further down.
Install the Cents network
Required Materials
Unifi Dream Machine router (UDM)
Access Point (quantity dependent on store)
PoE+ Injector (quantity dependent on number of APs)
~12” Ethernet Cable (quantity dependent on number of APs)
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
My ISP provided router has no more open LAN ports. What do I do?
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.
Can I use a PoE switch instead of a PoE injector?
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+).
See the diagram below:
What do the colors mean on my AP?
Steady Blue: This is good. The AP is connected to power and to the internet.
Steady White: The AP is not configured to the network. Contact Cents.
Slowly Blinking White: The AP is powering up.
Quickly Blinking White: The AP has a power problem. Check connections on the PoE+ switch or injector and power cycle the AP.
Quickly Flashing White/Blue: The AP's firmware is being upgraded. This should resolve itself after a few minutes.
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.
No Light: The AP is not connected to power. Check the connections on the PoE+ switch or injector.
Older setup: access points only
If you only received access points (no Cents router), each access point is already set up to point to the Cents servers. Plug it into your internet provider's router and power it with a PoE+ injector, and it broadcasts the Cents WiFi automatically.
You'll need: the access points, a PoE+ injector for each one, your internet provider's router, ~12” Ethernet cables, and Ethernet cable long enough to reach the ceiling.
Your internet provider's router provides the network (LAN) to each PoE+ injector. Plug the injectors into 120 VAC wall power and into the router.
Mounting, the PoE+ injector, the diagram, and the light colors are the same as above.
Troubleshooting
Devices are offline.
Check the access point light. Steady blue means it's working. Power cycle your router and access points, then check that your internet service is working at the router.The access point light is steady white.
It isn't set up on the network yet. Text our Support team.The access point has no light or blinks white quickly.
It isn't getting enough power. Check the PoE+ injector or switch connections. A standard PoE switch won't work, it needs PoE+ (802.3at).Your internet provider's router has no free ports.
Add an Ethernet switch to get more ports.Still stuck?
See Penny FAQs and Troubleshooting or Pulse FAQs and Troubleshooting, or text our Support team. Don't reset the access point with its reset button.
Need assistance?
Feel free to text our Cents Support team at 888-302-8809.