Shopify POS Go: Network Bottleneck Diagnosis - Solar Faults | terminalfaults.org

Technical Background:

The Shopify POS Go relies on 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) or cellular (LTE) for network connectivity. TCP/IP protocol overhead, DNS resolution latency, and Wi-Fi signal attenuation can contribute to perceived bottlenecks. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) can impact Wi-Fi signal strength. High network latency impacts EMV chip card processing times.

Symptoms:

Observed network performance degradation on the Shopify POS Go terminal impacting transaction processing speed.

Possible Causes:

Weak Wi-Fi signal strength due to distance from access point or physical obstructions.
Interference from other wireless devices (microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices).
High network congestion on the local Wi-Fi network (too many devices).
DNS server resolution issues leading to slow connection establishment.
Software updates or background processes consuming network bandwidth.
Firewall or network security settings blocking necessary ports for Shopify services.

Solution:

1

Verify Wi-Fi signal strength on the Shopify POS Go. Check the Wi-Fi settings for signal bars or RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication). Ideally, RSSI should be above -70dBm.
2

Conduct a speed test using a web browser on the POS Go or a connected device on the same network to evaluate overall network throughput.
3

Utilize the Shopify POS app reporting tools, if available, to monitor transaction times and identify slow transaction trends. Correlate slowdowns with peak hours.
4

Relocate the Wi-Fi access point to a more central location or add Wi-Fi extenders to improve signal coverage and reduce attenuation.
5

Analyze network traffic patterns using a Wi-Fi analyzer app (available for smartphones or tablets) to identify sources of interference or congestion. Note the other networks on the same channels.
6

Reboot the Shopify POS Go and the Wi-Fi access point to clear temporary network issues. Also, check if the POS software is updated to the latest version.
7

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to investigate potential network issues beyond your local network.

Safety Warning:

Safe Handling: Unplug the Shopify POS Go from the power outlet before performing any physical inspection of the device or its cables. Avoid contact with internal components. Ensure the device is placed on a dry, non-conductive surface. Protect from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) particularly during dry winter months.

Prevention:

Regularly inspect and maintain network infrastructure. Ensure the Wi-Fi access point's firmware is up to date. Periodically run speed tests to monitor network performance. Keep the Shopify POS Go software updated.

Expert Tip:

Temporarily disable Bluetooth on the Shopify POS Go to rule out Bluetooth interference with the Wi-Fi connection. Many POS Go devices share an antenna between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This can significantly improve Wi-Fi throughput.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I check the Wi-Fi signal strength on the POS Go?

Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings menu. The signal strength is indicated by the number of bars or a dBm value (ideally above -70dBm).

•What type of Wi-Fi analyzer app is recommended for identifying interference?

Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android or Network Analyzer for iOS are commonly used. They display nearby Wi-Fi networks, signal strengths, and channel usage.

•What are the typical network ports that Shopify services require?

Shopify POS typically uses standard HTTP (port 80) and HTTPS (port 443) ports. Check Shopify's official documentation for specific port requirements.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I check the Wi-Fi signal strength on the POS Go?

•What type of Wi-Fi analyzer app is recommended for identifying interference?

•What are the typical network ports that Shopify services require?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: