SkyTab Wi-Fi Best Practices

Description: Learn about best practices for SkyTab's Wi-Fi capabilities.

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In an effort to improve handheld device implementation and eliminate potential connection issues and install delays, Shift4 recommends the following best practices when setting up your restaurant’s Wi-Fi network.

1. Identify the number of Wi-Fi access points needed.
   To figure out how many Wi-Fi access points are needed for your location, you'll need to measure the coverage area, consider the shape of your floor plan, and note the types of building/wall materials that divide the space. Please note that while very effective in a residential setting, Wi-Fi extenders and mesh networks are not preferred. Without first considering these factors, an estimate of the number of Wi-Fi access points you need could be inaccurate. If you're looking for a benchmark to make a rough estimate, however, you may approximate one access point per every 1,500 square feet with clear line-of-sight or per every room, depending on construction type. Use the following information to generate an improved estimate count for your restaurant:
   Coverage Area: Knowing the area in square feet or meters is a good start. As mentioned above, a very rough estimate is approximately one access point for every 1,500 square feet.
   • The assumptions for this number are below:
     • Typical office or residential space
     • Square- or rectangle-shaped area
     • Single-floor area
     • Drywall partitions or cubicles
     • Basic internet and streaming requirements
     • Outdoor seating should be included

Please also consider where the operators of the Wi-Fi devices will be traveling during their shift. Kitchens, bathrooms, breakrooms, and smoking areas are seldom considered for coverage and can cause issues with synchronization.
Network Type: Use of a 5 GHz network band is preferred. This band allows for much higher network connection speeds when connected but must be placed closer to the access point. 2.4 GHz does allow for greater range, but the connection speed falls off drastically — down to 0 in some cases — even though your device is still technically connected to the Wi-Fi. Designing a network that allows connection with 5 GHz will provide the best overall experience and handoff environment between different access points.
Shape of the Area: A more accurate estimate requires knowing the shape of the area. If the area is an "L", "H" or "T" shaped floor plan, the indoor area may be the same size as the image displayed below but the access points most likely cannot be placed in a location that will be central to all users without the signal traversing multiple exterior or interior walls.
For these scenarios, the following recommendations can be used to generate a rough estimate per floor plan type:

• L Shape: Multiply square footage estimate by 2.
• T Shape: Multiply square footage estimate by 3.
• H Shape: Multiply square footage estimate by 4.
• Extended Patio: Multiply square footage estimate by 2.
  • Note: We recommend the patio have its own access point.
• Multi-Story Building: Multiply square footage by each floor.
  

Building Material: An even better estimate requires knowing the material type of each wall. If the internal wall material is brick, cement, or cinder block, the number of access points needed will increase. A rough estimate is approximately one access point every 800 square feet or 75 square meters. In most cases, the biggest issue isn't the access point signal reaching clients but the low-power client signal getting back to the access point.

2. Install the Wi-Fi access points.
   To ensure that nothing is blocking the signal, see the following examples of where devices should and should not be installed:
   
3. The Wi-Fi access point should never be blocked or facing away from the coverage area.
   The top of the wireless access point is where the antenna is located. This surface must always be facing the intended service area. Furthermore, the access point should never be obstructed by anything. This includes TVs, drop ceilings, signage, speakers, cameras, areas with multiple bodies, and more.z
4. The wireless access point should be at least 3 - 5 feet away from any other radio sources.
   Wireless access points are susceptible to interference from other devices that transmit radio frequency. Interference causes wireless connectivity to become weak and unstable. Please make sure these devices are installed away from common radio sources such as:
   
   • Televisions
   • Radios
   • Cordless phones
   • Microwave ovens
   • Other wireless access points
   • Power transformers
   • Automatic door openers
   • Speakers
   • Wireless security cameras
   • Audio amplifiers
   • Disco balls
   • Device charging stations
5. Test the Wi-Fi signal strength.
   We recommend testing your signal strength to help determine hardware needs. This can be done by downloading a basic Wi-Fi decibel milliwatt (dBm) testing application on your phone via the App Store and/or Google Play.
   • 41-50 is strong
   • 51-60 is good
   • 61-70 is fair
   • 71+ is poor and an indicator that another access point should be placed in this area.

Best Practices Network Diagram