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How to choose network hardware for cafe and eatery locations
How to choose network hardware for cafe and eatery locations

Select a set of network equipment considering the format and size of your location

Max avatar
Written by Max
Updated over a year ago

What network hardware to choose for your cafe, restaurant, retail or bar:

Coffee stand, mall kiosk, food truck

For small retail points without seating and guest Wi-Fi. Broadband Internet is optional.

  • Router: Keenetic Extra KN-1711 with WAN, LAN, and USB 2.0 interfaces.

  • 4G USB Hotspot supporting LTE, FDD, and WiMAX standards.

  • LAN cables: Category 5E, up to 3 meters, from 1 to 4 pieces.

  • Power strip: With 5 sockets and a maximum current of 10 A.

Small cafe, coffee shop with tables

For small locations with an area of up to 40 m². A broadband connection to the Internet that enables you to set up a separate Wi-Fi network for employees is required.

  • Router: Keenetic Extra KN-1711 with WAN, LAN, and USB 2.0 interfaces.

  • 4G USB Hotspot supporting LTE, FDD, and WiMAX standards.

  • LAN cables: Category 5E. The length and quantity of LAN cables depend on the location type and connected devices.

    💡 A 1-meter cable suffices for a nearby receipt printer, while a 15-meter cable is necessary for a kitchen printer 15 meters away from your router.

  • Power strip: With a minimum of 5 sockets and a maximum current of 10 A.

Optional:

  • Access Point: Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Lite. Use an access point with a wired broadband connection for a separate guest Wi-Fi network.

    ☝️ One access point supports ~50 mobile devices or ~25 laptops concurrently. Estimate ~35 concurrent connections per access point for combined scenarios.

  • Switch: equipped with 5 extra LAN ports. Use a switch to connect extra hardware to the network like a receipt printer or surveillance cameras in case router LAN ports are unavailable.

Cafe, bar, pub

For locations with an area ranging from 40 to 100 m². Access points ensure a stable Wi-Fi network all over the place to maintain a large operation.

  • Router: MikroTik 951 with WAN, LAN, and USB 2.0 interfaces.

  • Access Points: Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Lite — starting from 2 units.

    ☝️ One access point can support ~35 concurrent Wi-Fi connections from your guests' phones and laptops.

    💡 If you have an outdoor patio with seating and want to provide wireless coverage, consider using Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Pro access points.

  • Controller: UniFi Cloud Key.

  • Managed PoE Switch with 8 LAN ports minimum.

  • LAN cables: Category 5E, Length and quantity of LAN cables depend on the location type and connected devices.

  • Power strip: With at least 5 sockets and a maximum current of 10 A.

💡 Wi-Fi network performance relies heavily on the building structure. If you have multiple floors or your location is situated in a basement with solid concrete walls, use access points.

Multi-floor restaurant

For large locations above 100 m² area. Access points ensure a stable Wi-Fi network all over the place to maintain a large operation.

  • Router: MikroTik 2011 with interfaces:

    • WAN (SFP), 1 unit

    • LAN (1000 Mbps), 5 units including 1 PoE

    • LAN (10/100 Mbps), 5 units

    • USB 2.0, 1 unit

  • Access Points: Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Lite — starting from 4 units.

    ☝️ One access point can support ~35 concurrent Wi-Fi connections from your guests' phones and laptops.

    💡 If you have an outdoor patio with seating and want to provide wireless coverage, consider using Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Pro access points.

  • Controller: UniFi Cloud Key.

  • LAN cables: Category 5E. Length and quantity of LAN cables depend on the location type and connected devices.

  • Power strip: With at least 5 sockets and a maximum current of 10 A.

Optional

  • Managed PoE Switch with 5 LAN ports minimum. Use a switch to connect extra hardware to the network like a receipt printer or surveillance cameras in case router LAN ports are unavailable.

Feel free to contact our customer support if you have any questions or concerns. We're available in chat @joinposter.com and email contact@joinposter.com


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