Wireless payment terminals at events need to work reliably. Yet many terminals still use WiFi4. On busy networks, this can cause card payment disruptions.
Card payments are now standard at events. Bars, food trucks, merchandise stands, and ticket booths almost all use wireless payment terminals. These terminals often connect through the local Wi-Fi network.
A stable connection is essential. If a payment fails or takes too long, a line forms immediately. This frustrates visitors and can mean lost revenue for organizers/exhibitors.
Yet in practice, we see some payment terminals still using WiFi4 (802.11n). This older technology was not designed for busy network environments such as festivals, trade shows, or sporting events.
Why WiFi4 can cause problems at events
A modern event often has a large number of devices using the Wi-Fi network at the same time. Examples include:
- Wireless payment terminals (Handhelds);
- Cash register systems (POS systems);
- Access scanners (ticket scanners);
- Production equipment (Sound measurement systems);
- Staff smartphones and laptops.
WiFi4 may struggle to serve so many devices efficiently at once. This can cause connections to become unstable or slow down.
For applications such as email or social media, this is usually not a major problem. But for card payments, speed and reliability are crucial. Every payment needs to be processed immediately.
When a wireless payment terminal does not have a stable connection, it can lead to:
- Failed card transactions;
- Longer wait times at the checkout or bar;
- Temporary downtime at points of sale;
- Lost revenue during peak periods.
Naturally, event organizers and exhibitors want to avoid these problems.
Choose at least WiFi5 for payment terminals
For professional use at events, we recommend payment terminals that support at least WiFi5 (802.11ac).
WiFi5 offers clear advantages over WiFi4:
- Higher data speeds;
- More stable connections;
- Better performance with multiple devices connected at the same time.
This allows a Wi-Fi network designed for events to handle large numbers of devices more efficiently.
WiFi6 or WiFi7 is even better
The latest Wi-Fi generations go a step further. WiFi6 (802.11ax) and WiFi7 are specifically designed for environments with many simultaneous users.
Benefits of WiFi6 and WiFi7 include:
- Better distribution of capacity across devices;
- Lower latency (faster responses);
- A more stable connection on busy networks;
- Higher overall network capacity.
For locations with many wireless payment terminals and other devices, this can make a big difference.
A good Wi-Fi network starts with the right equipment
At WiFi4Rent, we provide professional Wi-Fi networks for events. Our networks are designed for high capacity and intensive use and can take advantage of the latest WiFi standards.
But to get the most out of a modern network, end-user devices—such as wireless payment terminals (handhelds)—also need to support this technology.
When a terminal only supports WiFi4, it cannot benefit from the improvements offered by modern WiFi standards.
Our advice for events
When renting or purchasing wireless payment terminals, always check which WiFi standard they support.
For events, we recommend:
- at least WiFi5
- preferably WiFi6 or WiFi7
This helps ensure your card payments are fast and reliable, even during an event's busiest moments.
After all, a stable Wi-Fi network is essential for a payment system that works smoothly.
