About the Zyxel networking hardware

To get the most out of your Lightspeed service, you need a stable, high-bandwidth wireless network in your business location. Lightspeed offers Zyxel networking hardware to strengthen or extend your local wireless network.

Lightspeed does not manage or support your external connection with the internet. In the case where your internet connection is not operational, please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or your IT Manager.

Hardware

We offer three Zyxel hardware products: a router, a switch, and an access point. Your Lightspeed contact will be able to recommend the combination of products that will work best for your situation.

The router handles all the network traffic between the devices in your location and provides a connection with the Internet for them all. It also is the source and hub of your wifi network so all your devices can connect wirelessly as well.

The router only has 4 ports and one of them is reserved for the connection to your ISP's device. If you wish to use more than 3 devices, you'll need to add a switch which provides 8 additional ports for more devices, including screens, printers and more.

We recommend using network cables in your kitchen area since many kitchen appliances can interfere with your wireless network.

If your location is very large or has areas that are out of the line-of-sight of your router, adding an access point where your wireless signal is weak can extend and strengthen your wireless network.

Router

The router is model SCR 50AXE with one WAN (Wide Area Network) port and four LAN (Local Area Network) ports and does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). While it does support wireless access, it is mainly to be used with stationary devices, such as a stand. Included in the box is a magnetic stand, power adapter and a network cable.

Switch

The switch is model GS1915-8EP with eight PoE (Power over Ethernet) LAN ports and it does not directly provide wireless access. Included in the box is a power adapter, rubber feet, as well as plugs and screws for wall-mounting.

Access Point

The access point is designed to extend and strengthen your Wifi network for areas where your wireless signal isn't strong or reliable enough for professional use. This is model NWA220AX-6E with one LAN port to connect to either the switch or the router. This device supports both stationary and mobile POS devices. Included in the box is a mounting frame and screws.

Installing the equipment

Before you begin

• Ensure you have power outlets available for your router and switch locations. You do not need to provide power to the access point if you are connecting it to the switch or router. Those devices will provide power to the access point. 
• Measure the distances between the locations where the devices are to be installed and ensure you have Ethernet cables long enough or have connections integrated into the walls to support the layout you wish to use. Ethernet cables are not provided.
• Take note of the MAC addresses and Serial Numbers for each device. These can be found written on the labels for each device. Keep this information handy in a file as these are useful details for support services.

Installation

1. Connect the power adapters to each device
2. Plug in each device to a power outlet. Once connected to power, they will turn on automatically.
3. Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN port of the ISP router to the WAN port of the Zyxel router (blue). The default Wireless Name (or SSID) & Password will be provided by Lightspeed.
4. Connect an Ethernet cable from the LAN 1 port of the Zyxel router to the LAN 1 port of the Zyxel switch. While any of the LAN ports can be used on either device, the best practice is to use these recommended ports.
5. Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN port of the Zyxel switch to the UPLINK port (yellow) of the Zyxel access point. The LAN 1 port of the access point can be used to connect to a printer with an Ethernet cable, if desired.

Connecting the access point

The ports on the access point are covered by a removable panel.

To connect the access point to your network:

1. Remove the small panel cover.
   
2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the uplink port (yellow).
   
3. Replace the cover until it clicks firmly into place.
   

You will also need to connect the power (DC 12V) if you are connecting the access point directly to the router as there is no power provided by the router. If you are connecting the access point to the switch, there is no need to connect a power adapter as the power will be provided via the Ethernet cable.

Wall-mounting or ceiling mounting the access point

If space is an issue or to allow for an area to be covered by the access point's signal with few obstructions, you can mount it to a wall or ceiling using the included frame. To mount the access point to a wall or ceiling:

1. Affix the mounting frame to the wall or ceiling in the desired location and orientation using a pair of screws.
   
2. Ensure the Ethernet cable is already connected to the access point since the port will not be accessible while it is mounted.
3. Slide the access point on to the frame until it clicks firmly into place.
   

What's next?