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Apollo External Communication

Payter terminals require access to the Internet in order to authorise and complete EMV payments, as well as for Terminal Management and other services. In addition, the terminal requires a Controller to function - an integrated host system which may also require external access.

External Communication Options​

Definition: The means by which the Payter terminal is able to access the internet to transmit and receive data.

  • Ethernet
  • 4G Modem (Optional Extra Hardware)
  • Wi-Fi
danger

External Communication configurations are managed via MyPayter. They require external connectivity to allow themselves to be amended. It is therefore possible to update communication settings such that the terminal, having applied the requested change, is then unable to go online to receive any further data. In this instance only a site visit can return the terminal to its online state.

As a result of this, making changes to any communication configurations in MyPayter are restricted. You must explicitly "Force Push" these type of changes, using the context driven menu.

It is typically very rare for this change to be required, and Payter strongly encourages its partners to carefully plan the configuration and deployment of any external communication settings.

Ethernet​

  • The Apollo terminal is equipped with an RJ45 Ethernet port that is capable of using the data portion of Power over Ethernet, but cannot be powered by such connections
  • The terminal configuration is set by default to allow DHCP connections, but this can be configured via MyPayter to use static IP settings
  • MyPayter captures the Ethernet adaptor's MAC Address when it is used. This is typically completed in our Logistics facility for Live terminals, so the MAC address for each device is visible in MyPayter if required
  • A list of URL's are available upon request to whitelist in firewalls.

4G Modem​

  • The Payter terminal can be supplied with a region-specific modem to allow data to be transmitted on cellular networks.
  • The terminals are configured by default to use Payter-supplied SIM APN settings
  • User-supplied SIM APN settings can be added and pushed using MyPayter
    • It is highly recommended that this is implemented in a controlled and planned manner, ideally prior to any kind of end of line testing and critically, before installation
  • An antenna is required to be fitted when using the modem. Payter recommend:
    • That the antenna is fitted externally
    • It is removed from the same area as the terminal
    • The antenna should not be mounted on or surrounded by metal
    • It is placed as high as the installation allows
caution

Multiple environmental factors can influence SIM connectivity and bandwidth.

Wi-Fi​

The Apollo terminal contains a IEEE802.11b/g/n W-LAN adaptor.

  • This can be configured via MyPayter, or via the on-screen Service Menu.
    • Access to the Service Menu requires two-factor authentication via MyPayter, but this 2FA does not require connectivity itself.
  • The Apollo can only connect to a WPA2 network
    • This includes 'hot-spot' smart phone connections, which can be a useful on-site recovery approach.
caution

Whilst the Wi-Fi adaptor can be useful, it is not recommended for permanent deployment. So many environmental factors can negatively influence Wi-Fi performance that Payter would recommend a wired Ethernet connection in this instance, as one is presumed to be nearby.