Understanding broadband & networks
A plain-English guide to how your broadband keeps you trading.
What broadband actually is
Broadband is your connection to the internet, delivered over a phone line, fibre cable or mobile (4G/5G) signal. Your card machines and tills use it to talk to the bank.
The router's job
Your router takes that internet connection and shares it around your premises, by cable and by Wi-Fi, so all your equipment can get online at once.
Wired vs Wi-Fi
A wired (ethernet) connection is the most reliable — we recommend it for countertop terminals. Wi-Fi is convenient for portable kit but can be affected by walls and distance.
Why a backup matters
If your main broadband drops, a 4G failover router keeps payments flowing. For a business taking card, staying online means staying open.
Related guides
Identifying your network equipment
Tell your router, switch and failover kit apart so you know what's what.
ReadChanging the APN on a 4G router
Update the mobile data settings on your 4G/failover router.
ReadNo broadband whatsoever
Steps to take when your main broadband is completely down.
ReadNo broadband (on a 4G connection)
Get a 4G router or mobile terminal back online when data drops.
Read