Business Software Review

Consider Wireless POS Systems

JCS Computer Resource Corporation

www.jcscomputer.com

Are You Looking to Go Wireless? This document discusses the considerations, risks and advantages of a Wireless network versus the traditional wired network for use in POS systems.

Traditionally computers such as those running your cash registers are interconnected with each other and with back office computers using a physical data cable, called an Ethernet cable. Today the technology exists to inexpensively eliminate this cable and use radio communications.  Many restaurants and retailers are now looking at wireless technology. It’s a particularly attractive option during remodeling or expansion. While you pay a little more to get wireless equipment, you save the expense of running cables.

There are many advantages to wireless:

• Wired is Expensive. For existing stores and restaurants, snaking cables in the walls can be expensive, and sometimes impossible
• Wired can be Ugly. Having wires visible can be unsightly and can cause trip hazards
• Wired may not Reach. Some areas (such as a sidewalk sale) may not be beyond wires
• Wireless is Everywhere. Wireless lets you move equipment at will
• Wireless is Mobile. Wireless lets you be mobile, so you can relocate registers, walk around with wireless scanners, etc.
• Wireless is Expandable. Wireless lets you add devices as needed, without needing additional cabling, or ports to plug cables into.

There are also disadvantages to wireless:

Wireless technology can pose security risks. Anyone with a wireless laptop can potentially access your network and you won’t know it. They can use your Internet access, copy your data, or crash your system. You can make wireless very safe if it is configured correctly. If you are not a network expert, you need to have one setup your network.

Basically, there are three kinds of wireless networks:

• Unsecure: anyone can connect to your network. This is the default setting for most wireless network routers, so be careful when you set up a new network!
• Password Security: here, you have to put a "Key" (password) on both the Wireless Router and the computer that will connect to the wireless network. Generally you enter it once and your computer will remember it.  This is nice because you can add new equipment yourself without having the network specialist back, but it’s possible for an outsider (such as an ex-employee) to learn your password.
• MAC Authentication: Every wireless device manufactured has a unique MAC Address - sort of a fingerprint serial number. There are about 300 trillion combinations. Many routers can be configured to only accept connections from a list of MAC Addresses you input. It will listen to your designated wireless devices and computers, and no others. This is very secure, but requires that programming changes be made to your network security device for every equipment change.

Talk to a competent consultant before bringing wireless into your environment.

I want my customers to have wireless Internet access in my café

If you need an unsecured wireless network for public use, you can still have a second, secure wireless network for your private use. By running separate networks you are not opening your POS system to your customers. Even though both networks operate within the four walls of your restaurant or store, they can be run separately. In your home you can have a cordless phone and a cell phone. Both work wirelessly, but your cell phone won't answer your home calls, and your home phone won't answer your cell calls. This is similar.

By setting up two routers with different IP address ranges, making one network available to customers and securing your POS network from them, you can have two wireless networks that co-exist in the same space.

Other wireless considerations

Wireless networks do not transmit data as fast as wired networks. Particularly in areas of poor signal strength or interference the connection might be slow or nonexistent. Dropping a connection during a POS transaction can crash some POS systems. For this reason some POS vendors will not support wireless networks. Talk to your vendor before making the commitment to wireless.

Consider a hybrid solution

Wireless is not an all or nothing solution. You can continue to use wired devices as they are and add on wireless equipment as needed. So if you just bought a new laptop with built-in wireless technology, adding a wireless access point to your store is an easy way to connect.

www.jcscomputer.com

info@jcscomputer.com

JCS Computer Resource Corporation

726 W. Algonquin road

Arlington Heights, IL

866 467 7672

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