Your venue must meet certain requirements before you can install your Lightspeed Restaurant hardware. This includes setting up cabling for your network and electrical needs, as well as other physical preparations. Our guide covers what you need to get ready before your install date, regardless if you are installing it yourself, have phone assistance, or are using an on-site professional.

Networking is a key, but complex, part of site preparation. If possible, have an IT professional set up your network to ensure it's fully ready for Lightspeed Restaurant. To learn more about networking, visit our Networking for Lightspeed Restaurant article.

Internet connectivity

Lightspeed Restaurant requires a stable broadband internet connection for payment processing, syncing with the Back Office, and cloud-based features. Internet speed and Wi-Fi signal are both factors that affect whether your connection is strong enough for our system.

• Internet speed: 10 Mbps download and 512 Kbps upload speeds are required for each POS device. Select an internet package fast enough to handle the total number of devices you’ll be using, along with any other network activity.
• Wi-Fi strength: Wi-Fi devices must have a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) above -67 dBm. The closer to 0, the stronger the signal. To achieve this, ensure each Wi-Fi device can be placed within 100 m² (1000 ft²) of the router or an access point.

After setting up your network, test your connectivity in the farthest corner of each service area to ensure it meets these standards. 

Network hardware

Lightspeed Restaurant requires its own dedicated network. Here we explain the hardware you need to create this network with examples of how it all connects. This infrastructure needs to be fully set up before your POS hardware installation.

Purchasing network hardware directly from Lightspeed enables our Support team to remotely configure and manage your network. If you manage your own network, our ability to assist with network issues is more limited.

Modem

A modem, usually supplied by your internet service provider (ISP), converts the incoming internet signal into a format your local network can use. It is the gateway between your ISP and internal network.

• Location: Choose a location that will allow you to minimize the length of cabling needed. Ensure it is close to both the ISP's incoming connection point and where you plan to put your router.
• Cabling: Connect your modem to a power source, to the cable from your ISP where it enters the premises, and to your router.

Router

A dedicated router exclusively for Lightspeed Restaurant traffic is also required. The router creates your local network and manages communication with the wider internet. If your ISP supplied a router, purchase your own for greater control. If the router's Wi-Fi signal isn't strong enough, use access points to extend its coverage of your restaurant.

• Location: Pick an area that's away from electronics (microwaves, phones, etc.), barriers (concrete walls, metal objects, etc.), and heat sources (kitchen, audio equipment, etc.).
• Cabling: Connect your router and modem using an Ethernet cable rated Cat 5e (or higher) with RJ45 connectors. If your router doesn't have enough open Ethernet ports for all of your LAN-devices (printers, payment terminals, etc.), you'll need a network switch.
• Placement: Place the router somewhere open, central, and elevated. If an enclosed space is unavoidable, ensure at least 7 cm (2.75 in) on all sides of the router to prevent overheating.
• Configuration: If Lightspeed is not managing your network, you'll need to adjust several types of settings. These include the access, security and compliance, and other requirements in our broader networking article.

Zyxel router, available from Lightspeed

Access points

Access points extend your Wi-Fi signal to areas not covered by the router. They help ensure that POS devices, printers, payment terminals, and other wireless hardware have a stable connection where it's needed.

• Location: If you need access points, set them up about every 100 m² (1000 ft²). As with a router, range can be affected by physical and wireless obstructions. Install on floors above and below where your router is located, staggering to minimize interference. 
• Cabling: Use Ethernet cables rated Cat 5e (or higher) with RJ45 connectors to connect access points to your router (or to a switch that leads back to the router). Many access points get their power over Ethernet (PoE), so there may not be a separate power cable.
• Placement: Mount access points on the ceiling or somewhere higher than 2.5 m (8 ft).
• Configuration: If managing your own network, you'll need to adjust several types of settings. These include the access, security and compliance, and other requirements in our broader networking article.

Zyxel access point, available from Lightspeed

Network switches

Switches provide additional Ethernet ports for connecting devices to your network. Use a switch when you need more ports than your router provides for LAN devices, such as certain printers or payment terminals.

• Location: Place network switches near clusters of devices that require wired connections.
• Cabling: Connect switches to your router using Cat 5e (or better) Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors.
• Planning: Ensure your switch has enough ports for all your wired hardware, plus some extra for expansion. Label all ports clearly for easy identification and management.

Zyxel network switch, available from Lightspeed

Example network setups

The following examples show combinations of network hardware you might use in different types of establishments to construct your Lightspeed Restaurant network. 

Simple network setup

Here we have a quick-service restaurant located in a small space. In this scenario, the network consists of:

• Modem: Connected to your ISP and a power source.
• Router: Connected by Ethernet cable to the modem, it provides basic Wi-Fi coverage and a limited number of ports for wired devices. This router must be reserved only for Lightspeed devices.
• POS devices: Connected wirelessly over Wi-Fi to the Lightspeed router.
• Receipt and ticket printers: Connected by Ethernet cable to the same router as the POS devices.
• Payment terminal(s) (not shown): Connected by Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable, or Bluetooth, depending on the specific model.

Complex network setup

This example illustrates a full-service restaurant located in a large space. In this scenario, the network consists of:

• Modem: Connected to your ISP and a power source.
• Router: Connected by Ethernet cable to the modem, it provides basic Wi-Fi coverage and a limited number of ports for wired devices. This router must be reserved only for Lightspeed devices.
• Switch: Connected by Ethernet cable to the router, it supplies additional ports for wired devices.
• Access point: Connected by Ethernet cable to the router, it extends the Wi-Fi signal to an area of the restaurant not covered by the router.
• Receipt and ticket printers: Connected by Ethernet cable to the switch that terminates at the Lightspeed router.
• POS devices: Connected wirelessly over Wi-Fi to the access point or router.
• Payment terminal(s) (not shown): Connected by Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable, or Bluetooth, depending on the specific model.

Cables and power

Proper network cabling and electrical systems enable Lightspeed Restaurant to run reliably and safely. This section outlines requirements for these elements, such as having enough of the correct cable type.

Network cabling

Network cabling connects your modem, router, and other wired devices in the Lightspeed Restaurant system. Proper cabling ensures reliable data transmission and connections for all networked devices.

• Type: Use Cat 5e (or better) Ethernet cables terminating in RJ45 connectors for your wired network connections.
• Quantity: You must have enough cable on hand to make all necessary network and device connections.
• Connectivity: Connect all device cables to your Lightspeed router or a network switch leading back to the router.
• Organization: Label all Ethernet cables at the modem, switch, or router end for easy identification and troubleshooting.

Wall ports

Wall ports, also known as Ethernet jacks, are network connection points installed in walls or floors. They provide convenient network access and allow for a cleaner, more organized setup.

• Timing: If you want to use wall ports, they must be put in before your Lightspeed Restaurant hardware installation.
• Connectivity: Ensure all wall ports have a direct connection to the Lightspeed router or a switch leading back to the router.
• Installation: Run network cables directly from their termination point to the router or switch without any intermediate connections or splits.

Power outlets

Ensure you have enough power outlets near where you plan to set up each POS station. Use surge protectors to expand your outlet options while safeguarding your equipment. Account for all devices that will need power, including POS devices, printers, card readers, and other hardware.

Cable management

Plan for managing the cables that will run through your restaurant before your Lightspeed Restaurant installation. You may decide to cut holes in countertops or use cable raceways to keep wires organized and out of sight. Make these preparations before your install date to minimize tripping hazards and distractions.

Facility preparations

Consider timing, space modifications, and hardware organization when planning your Lightspeed Restaurant install. This section covers the final topics you should think about before the installation.

Planning around your business

Schedule your Lightspeed Restaurant hardware installation during a time when there is no active construction and your business is not open. A quiet, undisturbed environment makes for a more efficient installation with fewer potential complications.

Modifying your space

If you need to make changes to your physical business space, complete these before your install date. This includes:

• Installing additional power outlets or wall ports
• Running Ethernet cables through walls or ceilings
• Creating dedicated areas for POS stations or printers
• Reinforcing counters or tables to support equipment

Gathering all hardware and cables

Gather all necessary hardware and cables in a central location within your business prior to your installation. This includes POS terminals, printers, card readers, network switches, access points, and all required cables. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and prevent delays due to missing components.

Site readiness checklist

This checklist summarizes all of the requirements for ensuring your site is ready for Lightspeed Restaurant hardware installation.

Network setup and connectivity

• Connect your modem to the cable from your ISP and a power source.
• Install a separate router reserved for Lightspeed devices and connect it to your modem.
• Confirm the router has enough LAN ports to accommodate all hardware. If necessary, install a network switch to add more ports.
• Install access points strategically to cover all areas where wireless devices will be used.
• Label all network ports clearly for easy identification and management.
• Obtain the password for your wireless network.
• Configure your network to meet the access, security and compliance, and other requirements in our broader networking article.
• Test your connectivity to ensure it meets our requirements for speed (10 Mbps down / 512 Kbps up) and RSSI (greater than -67 dBm).

Cables and power

• Acquire sufficient Cat 5e or better Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors for all wired connections.
• Confirm that any wall ports are pre-installed and have a direct connection to the Lightspeed router or a switch leading back to it.
• Ensure sufficient power outlets are available near each POS station and peripheral device.
• Implement cable management solutions, such as cutting holes in countertops or using cable raceways.

Facility

• Schedule installation during a time when the business is closed and free from construction.
• Complete any necessary space modifications before Lightspeed installation. For example, installing outlets, running cables, or reinforcing counters.
• Create dedicated spaces for POS stations and printers as needed.
• Ensure each POS station is located within about 100 m2 (1000 ft2) of a router or access point.
• Gather all hardware and cables in a central location within the business.