Hardware Upgrades for ATM and POS Operators
Upgrading 3G Financial Communications to LTE
The cellular networks ATM and Kiosk operators and manufacturers use to connect clients to highly secure banking data are constantly evolving. As a result, the communications hardware embed within and attached to these machines must evolve as well. As cellular carriers sunset their 2G and 3G networks, organizations in the financial services sector are exploring options to upgrade to 4G and beyond.
Challenges Faced
UPGRADING LEGACY 2G & 3G CELLULAR EQUIPMENT
Mobile automatic teller and POS machines depend on cellular networks to connect clients to their banking data. Slow and intermittent connections can lead to customer frustration and abandonment. With the majority of 2G networks off-line, and many 3G networks soon to follow, those who operate and manufacture ATM equipment are in need of immediate updates to their cellular hardware. Many of these organizations are also looking to install systems capable of redundancy, that operate over fast and secure 4G cellular networks.
Customized Solutions
MATCHING HARDWARE TO EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE
USAT clients operate in diverse industries with unique requirements. Many financial institutions and automated equipment manufacturers are using devices from specific manufacturers and are looking for 4G solutions that require the least amount of change. At USAT we look at the hardware and software you're using currently to develop solutions that will allow the most seamless equipment upgrades as possible.
Several organizations have reached out to the solutions experts at USAT to help guide their selection of new hardware, and help them configure the hardware to operate within their existing network infrastructure. The solutions we provide take into account things like making sure your organization can continue using software of which you're already familiar, like DRM, ALMS, or NetCloud.
Below, we've outlined examples of three different solutions we've been able to provide. Please note: the solution we devise for your organization may be different depending upon your needs and requirements.
Solution Example #1
IX10 CELLULAR ROUTERS AND OMNI-DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS
Many organizations were already utilizing Digi cellular routers to manage the financial communications within their ATM and POS equipment . A common theme among these businesses was a desire to upgrade to more robust connectivity hardware capable of providing cellular failover at LTE speeds. For those organizations, USAT recommended the Digi IX10 cellular router - complete with an embedded CAT 4 modem and dual-sim functionality. Unlike most other routers in its class, it includes a serial port for additional applications.
Not every piece of their equipment in operation was located in an area with great cellular coverage, though they were located within the range of several different cellular towers. Many were located inside semi-sheltered areas that potentially interfered with signal strengths.
With higher reported customer abandonment rates at those teller machines, they needed an antenna solution that could help reduce these connectivity issues. USAT was able to recommend a variation of the Poynting OMNI-600 antenna - a durable omni-directional antenna capable of boosting signal strength within both indoor and outdoor environments.
For outdoor uses with access to roofs and high walls, the antenna could be pole mounted like depicted above. For indoor applications it could be directly mounted to the equipment as depicted below.
Solution Example #2
LX40 CELLULAR ROUTERS AND WLF ANTENNAS
ATM and POS equipment operators share similar 4G connectivity needs. So no matter whether we're helping upfit Automated Teller Machines, Digital Parking Attendants, or POS Kiosks, the solutions are often interchangeable. Though sometimes it's best to match the devices to the environments, especially if those environments see both extremes of heat and cold throughout the year.
For organizations more familiar with AirLink devices and related management software, located in areas with cold winters and hot summers, we recommended rugged LX40 cellular routers. Each is complete with an embedded CAT 4 modem with optional WiFi-enabled models available for secure access.
As with most of our clients, those who utilized the LX40 were still concerned with boosting signal strength, even when located in areas with generally suitable coverage. For secure, but open and uncovered applications, they needed antennas that could match their new routers ability to withstand weather extremes
USAT was able to recommend a pair of Mobile Mark RM-WLF antennas - a durable direct surface mount antenna capable of 2x2 MIMO operation in a dual configuration.
Ground plans like those featured in the next example are recommended when mounting these antennas to non-metallic surfaces to maximize signal strength. To utilize WiFi, paddle antennas are often included (or available for separate purchase). To determine you organizations exact needs, Contact USAT.
Solution Example #3
IBR200 CELLULAR ROUTERS AND GPS-CAPABLE ANTENNAS
Banks and credit unions are particularly fond of using Cradlepoint routers and software to manage automated tellers and internal branch operations to service their connectivity needs. Just like in the prior example, they wanted more robust connectivity, but were more interested in GPS capabilities than 4G failover. Additionally, they wanted a router that would allow their maintenance techs to access secure WiFi during routine operations. For those organizations, USAT recommended the IBR200 cellular router - complete with an embedded CAT 1 modem, with WiFi and passive GPS capabilities.
As with the previous example, many of their teller machines were in covered and semi covered areas, but they also had machinery located in open areas. With the same abandonment issues as discussed previously, they wanted an antenna that could be mounted directly on top of devices as well as against buildings. Specifically, many mentioned a desire for antennas that were powerful but unobtrusive.
USAT was able to recommend a variation of the Mobile Mark LTMG302 antenna - a durable low profile omni-directional antenna capable of direct and pole mounting.
USAT was able to provide these organizations with various cable assemblies and mounting kits to support their specific equipment needs location by location. To utilize WiFi, a separate antenna is included with the purchase of most IBR200 router models.
Interchangeable Solutions
MATCHING CELLULAR SOLUTIONS TO THEIR APPLICATIONS
The main point of the examples provided within this article is to illustrate that their are potentially multiple router and antenna solutions that may be able to satisfy your organizations needs. To find out which solution best suits your organization and its specific applications, reach out to the team at USAT for a quick consultation about your upcoming IoT project requirements. Our goal is to help get your project completed as quickly and efficiently as possible, while delivering solutions optimized to fit your organizations' exacting needs.
Contact USAT
If you need a solution for your ATM and POS operations quickly, USAT has equipment in stock and installation teams ready for immediate deployment. Our technicians are prepared to rapidly install cellular routers and antenna kits into your retail and banking equipment across Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and some regions of Texas and Colorado.
USAT has broadband, secure, WiFi hot-spots and high-powered antenna assemblies designed to function under harsh conditions and in remote areas. We offer top-tier equipment from providers like Sierra Wireless, Cradlepoint, Digi International, Poynting, Mobile Mark, and more.
For More Information:
- Give Us a Call: (919) 942-4214
- Send Us an Email: info@usatcorp.com
- Request a Consultant: Click Here
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