To properly enable DHCP reservations for your device, make sure your iPad or computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi router as your printer.

DHCP reservations ensure that your network devices maintain a reliable connection by using consistent IP addresses, allowing devices like receipt printers and payment terminals to properly connect with Lightspeed Restaurant.

To enable DHCP reservations for your device, you'll find your device’s default gateway address, access your router's settings, find your device's MAC address, create a DHCP reservation, and reboot your router.

About DHCP reservations

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) allows your router to assign a unique IP address to each device on your local network. A DHCP reservation, also known as an "IP reservation" or "Reserved IP," ensures that each device keeps the same IP address.

For example, when setting up receipt printers in the Back Office, you might have connected them to Lightspeed Restaurant by entering their IP addresses. Using DHCP reservations ensures that the printer's IP address remains unchanged, keeping it consistently connected to Lightspeed, even after a network outage or power failure. For more information on networking best practices, check out Understanding basic networking.

Setting up DHCP reservations

Since every router is different, you might need to contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help. You can often find detailed instructions by searching for your router's model along with "DHCP reservation."

1. Finding your device’s default gateway address

A default gateway is a bridge between your local network and the internet. In most local networks, the default gateway is the Wi-Fi router. The default gateway address is usually printed on a sticker attached to your router.

• To find the default gateway address on Mac:

  1. From the menu bar at the top of your screen, click the Wi-Fi icon.
  2. Select Network preferences from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click Advanced.
  4. From the navigation menu, select TCP/IP. Your router's default gateway address is listed beside Router.

• To find the default gateway address on Windows PC:

  The steps below are for finding your default gateway address on Windows 11. If you’re using an earlier version of Windows, you can find your default gateway address using Command Prompt.

  1. From the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, click the Windows logo.
  2. From the menu, navigate Settings > Network & Internet.
  3. Click Advanced network settings.
  4. Select Hardware and connection properties, and find your default gateway address listed beside IPv4 default gateway.

  To find the default gateway address on your Windows PC using Command Prompt:

  1. Using your keyboard, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. In the Run dialog box, type “cmd.”
  3. Click OK.
  4. In the pop-up window, type "ipconfig."
  5. Press the Enter key to run the command. Your default gateway address will be listed among the results.

• To find the default gateway address on iPad:

  1. From your iPad home screen, open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap the i icon beside your current wifi connection. Your default gateway address is listed beside Router in the IPv4 Address section.

2. Accessing your router's settings

For best responsiveness, access your router’s settings from your Mac or PC. However, your iPad will work as well.

Access your router's settings by typing your device’s default gateway address into your web browser's search bar and pressing enter. Doing so will open your router configuration page, where you'll log in with your administrator credentials.

Your admin username and password are typically located on a sticker underneath your router, near the Default Gateway address. If you cannot locate your credentials, you can search online for "[Router model name] + Admin login" to find specific instructions, or contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help.

3. Finding your device’s MAC address

A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a long string of alphanumeric characters that serve as a permanent identifier for network devices.

Before creating a DHCP reservation for your device, you'll need to locate its MAC address.

• Printers: You can find the MAC address on the same ticket where you obtained the IP address when connecting your printer to Lightspeed.
• Payment terminals: Look for the MAC address on the configuration printout or within the network configuration screen of the device.

4. Creating a DHCP reservation

Create a DHCP reservation for your device by navigating to your router's DHCP settings, entering the device's MAC address, and specifying the desired IP address for the reservation.

1. Navigate to DHCP Settings, usually labeled "Network," "LAN," or "DHCP Server."
2. Open the list of connected devices, or the section that allows you to view DHCP leases. This may be labeled as "Attached Devices" or "DHCP Clients List."
3. Identify the device for which you want to create a DHCP reservation.
4. Enter the device's MAC address and specify the IP address you want to reserve for this device.
5. Save your settings.

5. Rebooting Your Router

Most routers will automatically restart after you save your changes. If not, manually reboot your router. Once your router is back online, the DHCP reservation process is complete, and your devices will retain their assigned addresses.