Your Network Diagram is one of the most important pieces of information that you will be provided when you sign up to Impos. It details the network requirements for your Impos system. (To see why getting your networking right is so important, please see this article.)
In this article, we'll show you an example Network Diagram, and explain what each of the parts are.
Example Network Diagram
Impos Hardware
Impos Router
This is the router used exclusively by Impos hardware, to create a closed network for your POS. It is connected via cable to your ISP Modem. The cable to the ISP Modem is plugged into the WAN port, and all other devices to one of the four LAN ports.
Impos Switch
This is the device to which all your Impos hardware will be connected. Think of it like a hub. It is also connected to the Impos Router via cable. There are eight ports, and any of them can be used for any device.
Terminals
These are your static touch-screen POS terminals. They are connected to the Impos Switch either directly or via a network/patch point. (A network/patch point is the terminal point of a cable that runs behind a wall, under a floor, through your ceiling etc. It terminates at two ends - one near your Switch, and one near where the POS hardware is installed.)
Printers
There are two main types of printers - Thermal and Impact. As a general rule, Thermal printers are used for receipts and production dockets in non-kitchen areas, and Impact printers are used in kitchens and hot spaces. Both types of printers connect to your Impos Switch either directly or via a network/patch point.
Ubiquity Access Point
This is a wifi extender for your Impos Router, specifically so that your Impos Tablets have a strong wifi connection throughout your venue. These are usually located on a ceiling or wall, and connected by cable via a POE box to your Impos Switch.
POE (Power Over Ethernet)
The POE is a small box that connects via cable to the Ubiquity Access Point at one end, and your Impos Switch at the other. It requires a power connection and provides electricity to the Ubiquity Access Point.
Impos Tablets
Usually a Microsoft Surface Go or Windows tablet, this is a wireless POS that can be moved around the venue. It requires a power connection to charge when the battery is low, and is connected via wifi to the network.
Cash Drawers
These are connected via a hard-wired cable to a printer (preferred) or a terminal. They are not network devices.
Other Hardware
ISP Modem
This is the modem provided to you by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) that gives your venue internet access. It is strongly recommended to connect your Impos network to the internet, however the Impos network does not need the internet to function. The exception to this is that you will require internet for any integrated services or if you wish to view reports from anywhere other than your venue. Additionally if you require technical support, having an internet connection makes it much quicker and easier for our Support team to help you.
Cables
Cat5/Cat6
These are standard network cables that are used to connect the devices in your venue. They are also the cables that your electrician will install as part of your network. They are usually blue or yellow (although they can be any colour).
Cash Drawer Cable
This cable is hardwired to the cash drawer, and connected to a printer or terminal. This does not carry any network information.
Serial Cable
This is a basic cable that connects a terminal to a printer. Older printers may still connect via serial cable, but all new equipment should be connected to the network directly.
If you have any further questions, please contact our team on 1300 780 268.