A dedicated, properly set up local network is key to keeping Lightspeed Restaurant running smoothly. This guide covers our network requirements for internet speed, Wi-Fi signal, and hardware. It also explains how to set up your router, manage IP addresses, configure firewall rules, and adjust device settings.

If you're unsure how changing or resetting your network will affect it, consult an IT professional first. Our Support team is limited in how we can help with network hardware purchased outside of Lightspeed.

Internet connectivity

Ensure your network meets our minimum bandwidth and Wi-Fi signal requirements, and follow our testing procedures to verify performance throughout your service areas.

• Internet bandwidth: 20 Mbps download and upload speeds are required for each POS device and payment terminal. 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.

Testing connectivity

After setting up your network hardware, test your internet speed and RSSI in areas of the restaurant where POS devices will be stationed or roaming.

1. While the restaurant is full, walk to the furthest corner of each service area. Make sure to include outdoor and patio sections.

   Testing at full capacity ensures your POS devices meet our connectivity requirements during your busiest hours. Peak traffic can slow speeds, which may require adjusting your network setup or internet plan.

2. On a phone or tablet, visit an online speed test and follow the prompts to test your upload and download speeds.
   • Download speed (minimum required): 20 Mbps or faster
   • Upload speed (minimum required): 20 Mbps or faster
3. Use Apple's AirPort Utility or a third-party Wi-Fi analyzer app to test your RSSI.

   The minimum required RSSI is -67 dBm or stronger (closer to zero). If yours is too weak, add new access points or move existing ones to increase signal coverage.

   • Checking RSSI with Apple's AirPort Utility

     1. Download Apple's AirPort Utility app on an iOS or iPadOS device.
     2. Open the iOS or iPadOS Settings app.  
     3. Scroll down on the left side and select AirPort Utility. 
     4. Toggle on the Wi-Fi Scanner setting.
     5. Open the AirPort Utility app. 
     6. If prompted, tap OK to allow AirPort Utility to find and connect to devices on your local network. 
     7. Tap Wi-Fi Scan in the upper-right corner. 
     8. Tap Scan to begin the scan.

     9. As nearby Wi-Fi networks begin to appear, search for your network on the list. Look for the RSSI, the signal strength, under the network name.

     10. When finished, tap Stop to halt the scan. Then, repeat steps 2-4 to toggle off the Wi-Fi Scanner setting.

         Important: Skipping this step and leaving the Wi-Fi scanner active may drain the battery life of your device.

4. Repeat the previous steps to test each other service area.

Hardware and cabling

Deploy business-grade network hardware and follow standardized cabling practices to build a reliable local network infrastructure for your POS system.

We recommend buying network hardware directly from Lightspeed so our Support team can remotely configure, manage, and troubleshoot your network.

Network hardware

• Modem: A modem is required to convert the signal from your internet service provider (ISP) into a format your local network can use.
• Router: Set up a dedicated router for Lightspeed Restaurant in a suitable location at your business. The router you choose should be:
  • Purchased separately, not supplied by your ISP
  • Business-grade, not made for home use
  • Able to manage traffic through quality of service (QoS)
• Extending your network: If a single router isn't enough to cover your space or connect all your devices, expand your network using:
  • Mesh or wired access points to extend the router’s Wi-Fi signal into areas it does not sufficiently cover.
  • Switches to add additional ports for LAN devices, such as certain printers or payment terminals.
• PCI compliance: Use network hardware that supports PCI DSS security requirements. 

Cabling

• Cabling: Use Cat 5e or better Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors for all wired network connections. Terminate all connectors according to the TIA/EIA 568B wiring scheme.
• Wall jacks: Ethernet wall jacks must have a direct connection to your router or to a switch leading back to the router.

Configuration and access

Configure your router and wireless settings for optimal performance, then ensure all POS hardware connects to the dedicated network you set up for Lightspeed Restaurant with managed IP assignments.

Network configuration

• Wi-Fi setup: Set up a dedicated, password-protected 2.4 GHz network for your POS hardware, keeping 5 GHz networks on a separate SSID for non-POS devices.
• Security: Use WPA2-Personal (PSK) or WPA3-Personal (PSK) authentication. 
• DNS: Configure your router to use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 as its DNS servers. This routes traffic through Google's more reliable servers rather than your internet service provider's.
• Features to disable: Disable any features that might block communication between your POS devices and hardware, including:
  • "Isolation" settings like Client Isolation, AP Isolation, and Wireless Isolation
  • Settings that merge 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequencies into a single SSID, such as Smart Connect and Band Steering
  • IPv6

Device connectivity and IP addressing

• Devices: Connect all POS devices and hardware to the network created by the router you're using for Lightspeed Restaurant.
• Active vs. passive POS devices: Use only one active POS device per location and set others to passive. Each type of POS device has a different role and data pathway on your network. 
• DHCP reservations: Set up DHCP reservations in your router for printers, payment terminals, and other POS hardware that's connected to your network. If you are unable to create DHCP reservations, setting a static IP on each piece of hardware is an alternative.

Security and compliance

Protect your network and maintain PCI DSS compliance by updating security tools, configuring firewall rules, and permitting traffic for essential domains and ports.

• Firewall: Configure your firewall to allow open communication between your devices and Lightspeed Restaurant.
• Updates: Regularly update the firmware and signatures of any network security tools, including intrusion detection (IDS) and prevention systems (IPS).
• PCI compliance: Ensure your network is configured to comply with the PCI DSS security requirements. 
• Domains and ports: Allow network traffic to and from the following domains and network ports.

Domains allowlist

Allow traffic to and from the following domains to enable communication with the Back Office and payment processing through Lightspeed Payments. Ensure your firewall dynamically checks for IP updates at least every 60 seconds.

• *.lightspeed.app
• *.ikentoo.com
• *.adyen.com
• *.adyenpayments.com

Ports to open

Ensure the following inbound and outbound network ports are open to enable communication between your POS devices, local peripherals, and cloud services.

iOS / iPadOS network settings

Configure the network settings on each iOS or iPadOS device to our recommended standards. This can help prevent potential disruption to certain POS functions.

• Auto-Join: Enabled
• Low Data Mode: Disabled
• Private Wi-Fi Address: Disabled
• Limit IP Address Tracking: Disabled
• Configure DNS: Manual, use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Apple's networking guide provides additional recommendations for its products.

Troubleshooting

If you're having issues related to your network, visit our troubleshooting guide on networking for help.

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