What you need for a backoffice connection

On this page

1. Purpose
2. Before you buy anything
3. Equipment checklist
4. Important cabling rules
5. Network facts to collect
6. Next step

Purpose

This article lists the equipment commonly needed to connect a Windows computer to the store’s approved MNSP backoffice port.

Before you buy anything

Ask the store’s MNSP which device and port provide the backoffice connection. The equipment below is a preparation list, not permission to alter the store network.

Choose a retailer with a practical return policy. An adapter or network switch may not be needed when the computer and MNSP already have available Ethernet ports.

Equipment checklist

Item	Why it may be needed	What to confirm
Windows PC or laptop	Runs the Advantage Agent and provides the store-side POS connection.	It can remain powered on and awake, has an available Ethernet port or USB port, and is the computer approved for store operations.
USB-to-Ethernet adapter	Adds a wired Ethernet connection when the computer has no available Ethernet port.	Match the adapter’s USB connector to the computer. Example adapter (a retailer example only, not an Advantage requirement).
Unmanaged Ethernet switch, five ports or more	Shares one provider-approved backoffice port when that port is already serving an approved device.	Use only after the MNSP confirms that the connection may be shared. Example switch (a retailer example only, not an Advantage requirement).
Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable	Connects the computer or adapter to the approved backoffice port.	One cable must reach safely from the computer to the network equipment without crossing a walkway or pulling on a connector.
Second short Ethernet cable	Connects the approved MNSP port to a network switch when a switch is required.	Needed only for the provider-approved switch layout.

Important cabling rules

• Photograph the existing cable layout before touching anything.
• Do not disconnect a cable unless the MNSP has identified it and approved the change.
• Do not connect the store computer to a port selected by appearance alone.
• Never reset, power-cycle, or reconfigure an MNSP appliance during this process.
• Route cables so doors, drawers, customers, and staff cannot pull or damage them.

Network facts to collect

The store or MNSP may also need to provide:

• MNSP provider and equipment model
• The approved backoffice port
• Whether that port may be shared through an unmanaged switch
• Any store-specific IP address, subnet mask, gateway, or DNS values
• The exact POS endpoint or Passport share if the store does not use the standard address

Do not invent these values or copy them from another store. Give them to your Advantage contact, who keeps them with that store’s setup.

Next step

Once the equipment is ready, continue to Identify your MNSP and prepare the connection.