April_2022 - 23

EXISTING LOCAL
INTERNET CONNECTIONS
It is enticing to look
for low-cost or " free "
connectivity solutions
when setting
up a new deployment
location. If
there is an existing local
internet connection available at the
location, this can be a good option
to explore. The upside is that there
aren't any additional costs to incur,
and most local connections will have
decent bandwidth speeds.
However, if you are placing
equipment at a location you don't
own, most of these third-party venues
don't want outside equipment or
devices on their networks for security
purposes, so this makes it more
challenging to take advantage of an
existing connection on premises.
It can also be more time-consuming
to get local IT to work with
you, and then you also don't have
any control when the network goes
down. The associated costs (service
calls, lost sales, shrinkage) of one
client-provided data line failure
will usually offset the cost of having
provided your own solution for
three years.
Pros
No monthly data costs
Satisfactory bandwidth
speeds
Cons
Possible need to open
firewalls or to enable
security rules with IT can
be burdensome
Static IP connections are rare
Spotty internet service or
poor download/upload speed
Local IT might be resistant
or unwilling to troubleshoot
your potential internet
connectivity problems
Andrey Rykov | iStock
LOCAL WI-FI
Another option most
operators will look at
when setting up is the
availability of local
Wi-Fi networks that
they can jump on. Typically, there are
no monthly data charges, and it is a
quick and easy way to get their equipment
operational while also keeping
their monthly operating expenses low.
However, like existing local
area network connections, using an
existing Wi-Fi connection provides
no control when the network goes
down since someone else is managing
it. There are also risks with
security, and most networks are not
compliant with PCI for credit card
payment processing.
Pros
No monthly data costs
Quick and easy to get
operational
Cons
Not a secure connection
method - security concerns
Connection speeds can
change depending on number
of users
Wi-Fi may not be PCI
compliant
PURCHASED AIRCARD,
MIFI OR JETPACK
Operators looking for a relatively
quick and easy way to bring their
own cellular connectivity may look
at deploying a device like a jetpack
to handle their connectivity needs
that they purchase from Verizon or
AT&T. Once purchased, the device
is ready to use and connect securely
to with relative ease. It alleviates
some of the drawbacks of the
options previously listed because it
is more secure than Wi-Fi and other
public networks.
One of the major drawbacks of
this type of connectivity is that it is
not built for commercial applications
so it may not be able to handle the
demands of a busy breakroom. If an
issue is encountered, it will require
a manual power cycle where the
operator will have to visit the location
to remedy the problem. While this
may work for a location or two, it is
difficult to scale and be a long-term
solution for a larger operator.
Pros
Setup is simple
Secure network connectivity
Cons
Monthly data costs
Subject to either overages
or slowing after certain
data thresholds
To reset lost connections
usually requires a manual
power cycle
Designed for personal and
not commercial use
April 2022 * VendingMarketWatch.com 23
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April_2022

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