A reliable network connection is essential for the optimal performance of credit card terminals. Poor network connections can cause issues such as transaction delays, failed payments, and security vulnerabilities. Ensuring a robust network helps prevent these problems, providing a seamless and secure transaction experience for both merchants and customers.
Minimum requirement for network speed for a single device on a network is 5Mbps, for updates a faster connection is needed, typically around 10 to 15 Mbps, this allows the update to run and complete with the least amount of downtime and download issues.
Recommended terminal speed is 25Mbps or greater at the terminal.
<aside> 💡 Note: These network speeds are for a single device being the only piece of equipment that is using the internet connection, if there are other computers, printers, etc. on the network the speeds will need to be greater to account for the traffic
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<aside> 💡 Note: ISP’s today typically supply speeds anywhere between 25Mbps all the way up to 10Gbps. The speeds that are available depend on the ISP, what is available in the location, and what the merchant has contracted to receive. With everything that is using the internet and constantly updating today, a small business should have 250Mbps minimum to be able to conduct business effectively.
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To test the ISP speed, run a speed test from a device that is connected using an ethernet cord (Physically connected to the internet) this will give the actual speed of the network that includes the Modem, Router, and what the ISP is providing, Run the same test from another device that is using the Wi-Fi connection for the speed of the Wi-Fi that is set up in the merchants facility this can be done using a phone, or tablet. This will also allow the client to run the test in different locations around their storefront/office location to see if there are dead zones in their Wi-Fi coverage they need to be aware of.
A typical 4G hotspot can provide speeds up to 49Mbps in an ideal setting, and 5G can provide connectivity as high as 114Mbps in an ideal setting. So in real world application you can expect a little over half of that speed. Anything else that is utilizing bandwidth on the network will slow this speed, this can be programs or apps that are constantly looking for updates, like a weather app on your phone, or a PC that is connected to a network and is being used to browse the internet or update documents on a cloud drive.
<aside> 💡 Note: The hotspot speeds listed above are for the dedicated hotspot connection device, not the hotspot that is available in most cell phones. Hotspot available on phones has a very large variation range based on phone type, phone plan provider, signal strength, and number of apps that are continuously using the bandwidth for constant updates. Using phone hotspots will work for a short term connection at an event, it is not advisable to use a phone hotspot as a long term connection solution.
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If their network does not meet the minimum requirements, here are a few things to look at that may help: