This article outlines recommendations and requirements for setting up your network to optimize your use of Dutchie POS.
Things to know
- We recommend that you share these recommendations and requirements with your IT resource to ensure they are reviewed and implemented correctly.
A guide for self-managed and third-party managed networks
The Dutchie POS system requires stable network connectivity. Dutchie does not provide networking hardware or services and instead relies on existing customer-managed networks to provide connectivity for registers and peripheral devices. We refer to these networks as self-managed networks (SMNs) or third-party serviced networks (TPSPs).
Dutchie is not responsible for the configuration of networking equipment such as firewall filtering, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), allowing or blocking existing devices, URLs or connections, or any other situation or configurations.
We recommend you share these network requirements with your IT resource/MSP and ensure that they are onsite or available for assistance during your installation and initial 'go-live' on Dutchie.
Your existing network will likely need modifications to its settings and configuration. You may also need to make modifications to the physical network infrastructure. Dutchie recommends that the network and implementation be deployed using the specifications that are below, as this will help Dutchie Support if you reach out for assistance.
Network infrastructure:
- Dutchie recommends that all stationary Dutchie POS Registers and related components be hardwired into the network.
- All wiring should be Cat5e or higher cabling and properly terminated in the EIA/TIA-568B wiring standard.
- The router/firewall should have a Quality of Service (QoS) setup to ensure sufficient bandwidth is dedicated and prioritized for Dutchie POS. Dutchie recommends the following minimum speeds based on hardware installation scenarios:
| Devices operating Dutchie | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
| 1 - 5 Registers Up to 250 orders/day |
20 Mbps minimum |
10 Mbps minimum |
| 6 - 10 Registers 250 to 1,000 orders/day |
50 Mbps minimum |
20 Mbps minimum |
| 11+ Registers 1000+ orders/day |
100 Mbps minimum |
30 Mbps minimum |
- The minimum speeds above should be dedicated strictly for Dutchie. If these speeds cannot be dedicated for Dutchie alone, please consult your ISP to increase speeds, or reach out to your Dutchie Implementation team to discuss alternative solutions.
Physical network segregation & VLANs:
- All Dutchie POS components should operate on an isolated network.
- For both security and stability reasons, no non-Dutchie POS devices should be allowed to connect to the Dutchie network.
- This includes (but is not limited to) other network routers/switches/APs, computers, personal tablets, cell phones, and cameras/security systems (IoT devices) should not be connected to the same network as Dutchie.
- If you cannot physically segment the network, a logical segmentation, or VLAN can be used. To do this, the following configuration will need to be performed:
- Non-Dutchie devices should NOT be connected to this VLAN.
- A VLAN should be set up for the Dutchie POS network, separate from all other traffic - see the IP Schema and Range Reservations section below.
- At least 1 physical ethernet port mapped to this VLAN should be available for each IP device.
- The ports should be clearly labeled “For Dutchie use only”.
IP schema and range reservations
Dutchie suggests the following IP configuration:
- Network: 192.168.192.0/24
- Gateway IP: 192.168.192.1
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- DHCP IP Address Allocation
- DHCP DNS Server: 1.1.1.1
Firewalls, allow lists, and config
- The router/firewall should provide unrestricted access to all outbound traffic on the Dutchie network/VLAN.
- If this is not possible, then individual IP addresses and URL destinations need to be configured for unrestricted outbound traffic on ports 80 and 443.
Wireless network infrastructure
- While Dutchie strongly recommends a physical/hardwired network connection for all Dutchie POS networked hardware, there will be instances where a hardwired connection is not feasible. In these circumstances, you can operate Dutchie POS registers on a wireless network connection.
Please note:
Wireless networks can be highly sensitive, and their stability and efficacy can vary greatly depending on multiple factors, both within the control of the network administrator/installer and outside of it. The recommendations in this section, while intended to help in the best possible configuration of a wireless network environment, are not all-inclusive and cannot account for many variables within a unique environment. It is highly advised to consult a certified wireless network professional to ensure an optimal wireless configuration.
- All wireless communications should be set to operate in the 5GHz band, and should be set on the “least utilized channel” for the area. Dutchie does not recommend the use of the 2.4GHz channels for Implementation as there are a lot of devices, appliances, and technologies that communicate within or near this frequency band that can cause interference and connectivity issues with handhelds and your Dutchie network. Failure to do so can cause a myriad of issues including delayed transactions, system response time, and overall performance of the tablets, handhelds, and other Dutchie POS components.
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- To verify the least used channel, use a wifi analyzer app such as Wifiman by Ubiquiti Inc (for Android) or Apple Airport Utility by Apple (for iOS).
- Access points must be installed in centrally located positions in the space, away from Electromagnetic Interference (“EMI”) sources (such as microwaves, speakers, motors, refrigerators, compressors, fluorescent lights/ballasts, etc) to prevent signal interference and connectivity issues with handhelds and your Dutchie POS network.
- Access to the network should never drop below -65dBm in service areas where registers or handhelds will be accessing the Dutchie network. Failure to do so can cause issues with order sending, order timing, and overall performance of the Dutchie POS system.
- Signal strength should be tested in the actual environment, an example of a spectrum analyzer is the WiFiman app by Ubiquiti - available on the Google Play store.
- If using wireless, the SSID for Dutchie use should belong to the same Virtual Local Area Network (“VLAN”) that was set up for the Dutchie POS network. If the Dutchie SSID is not set up for the same VLAN the performance or overall functionality of the Dutchie POS system will be negatively affected.
- The SSID should be broadcasted, using at least WPA2/AES Personal encryption. WPS should be disabled.
How large is your store?
The bigger your store, the greater your Wi-Fi coverage needs to be and the more Wi-Fi access points you need. Here’s an estimate of how much Wi-Fi coverage you’ll need, based on square footage:
| Number of Wi-Fi Access Points | Square Feet of Wi-Fi Coverage |
| 1 | 15,00 sq. ft. |
| 2 | 1,500-3,000 sq. ft. |
| 3 | 3,000-4,500 sq. ft. |
| 6 | 9,000 sq. ft. |
These numbers are an estimate, and access point coverage may be negatively affected by walls, interference sources, or other environmental factors.
Get help
Dutchie will provide support for Dutchie software and hardware to the furthest extent possible without having access to your network settings managed by you or your IT resource/MSP. If you experience networking or connectivity issues, Dutchie will determine whether that issue lies within our hardware/software or the networking environment.
Dutchie will not have access to your network interface and will not be able to adjust any configuration settings related to your network. Should the issue be determined to be within your network, you will be required to contact your internal IT resource to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Dutchie support can provide insight to your IT resource on the continued functionality of Dutchie POS during troubleshooting.
What's next?