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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 Kovalchuk avatar
Written by Max Kovalchuk
Updated this week

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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