Network Hardware



Introduction


Just like other essential services in the laundry room such as water, sewerage and electricity, a strong and stable WiFI network is a critical pre-requisite for cashless payments. The provision and maintenance of a strong in-store WiFi network is store owners responsibility.

For convenience and to make it easier for store owners, Tangerpay can optionally provide pre-configured network hardware which is simple to install and improves our ability to provide support when you experience internet related issues in your store.

We have two recommendations for store owners:

    .1Wherever possible, we recommend you use your own high speed broadband internet connection with NBN or ADSL. If you do not have a landline broadband connection and cannot obtain one locally in your area, or the broadband service in your area is very unreliable, we can supply you with a 4G Modem for mobile broadband in your store. Because land line broadband connections are generally considered more stable than 4G, we recommend you consider implementing NBN/ADSL as your first option and only purchase a 4G modem from us if it's absolutely required.
    .2We recommend you purchase a Tangerpay supplied High Powered Long Range Access Point (AP) which helps deliver a strong WiFI signal from your modem to all laundry machines and kiosk. The Tangerpay AP comes ready to use and is plug-n-play, no configuration needed.You can also get your IT provider to implement a BYO Access Point configured to our specifications (available on request), however our ability to support you during WiFI or network related issues is very limited if you choose this option. You will need to have access to your own network engineer to help you in troubleshooting any issues you face. For most clients, we strongly recommend you purchase a Tangerpay supplied High Powered Long Range Access Point with your order.

The 4G Modem and Tangerpay High Powered Long Range Access Point hardware options are both listed below.


4G Modem



We recommend that 100% cashless sites and sites wishing to avoid significant network disruption obtain land based broadband internet connections. If you already have a modem and internet connection in your store you may use it for cashless payments and do not need to order a 4G modem with us.

The 4G modem from Tangerpay is only meant for stores who are facing difficulties in obtaining their own land based high speed internet connection in the laundry room. For these stores, Tangerpay can provide a fully configured 4G mobile broadband router with the order.

You will need to position the 4G modem somewhere central in your store where a good phone signal is received from your chosen phone provider. There is no wiring needed apart from connection to power.

To activate the 4G modem, you will need to insert a prepaid or postpaid SIM card into the router. Mobile broadband SIM plans are available from major mobile networks for $10-$30 per month. In Australia, Tangerpay supplies a blank Amaysim SIM card with the 4G modem order. This SIM is on the Optus network and if you choose to use it, you will need to visit  www.amaysim.com.au  to activate the SIM card and select a suitable monthly data plan.

DATA USAGE

A store with 10 machines running kiosk and mobile pay solutions will require approximately 5GB data per month.

A store with 10 machines running only the mobile pay solution will require approximately 1GB data per month.



High Powered Long Range WiFi Access Point (AP)


For laundry machines and kiosk to connect to the internet for cashless payments, you need to install a WiFI access point in your store which is set up to our specifications.

For your convenience, Tangerpay can supply a pre-configured high powered WiFI access point with your order. This AP plugs into the back of your existing modem router (or the Tangerpay provided 4G modem) and it reduces the load on your modem to deliver better cashless performance in your store. The AP has a theoretical straight line range of 180 m for the WiFI signal and it deliver strong signal to your laundry machines. It can be easily wall mounted or ceiling mounted for tamper proof operations in your laundry room. Tangerpay is able to monitor the AP remotely which means you can obtain support directly from us instead of having to refer to a local IT or network provider.


The Tangerpay AP is pre-configured and installation is as simple as plugging it into the back of your existing modem (or the Tangerpay supplied 4G modem). It comes with a wall mount kit and a long 5 metre cable to enable you to securely mount it at a convenient spot in your laundry room. Longer network cables (CAT6 or "patch" cables), if needed, can easily be purchased from Office Works, Bunnings or any electronic hardware store.

If you do not purchase the Tangerpay AP, you will need to have a WiFI access point created on your existing modem by a local IT provider or get them to implement a separate Access Point connected to your modem - we recommend the latter of these two options. The Access point will have to be setup to specifications provided by Tangerpay. Please ask your IT provider to confirm that your existing modem router is of sufficient capacity to support a WiFI connection for each of your laundry machines plus any security cameras, free wifi and any other devices you have in your store. It is important that you consider this requirement very carefully as using an under powered network in your store can severely disrupt cashless payments in your store. Also, our ability to troubleshoot any BYO solution you implement is very limited and we do not recommend BYO access points unless you have access to a local IT provider who can help you with configuring and managing your own AP.

For best results, we strongly recommend you go with a Tangerpay supplied High Powered Long Range AP.