Last updated: Feb 12, 2026, 1:42 PM
Basic install site readiness for networking and devices.
Your location must be properly prepared to ensure a smooth Toast installation. This guide outlines the site requirements for your space prior to implementing your system.
The following information is intended for customers who will have a Toast-monitored network. If you plan to be self-managed or work with a third-party network manager, please review our Toast Network Requirements and Toast Firewall Allowlist.
If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, consider consulting or hiring a third party to prepare your restaurant by running cabling or planning for the below. In general, your site is ready for a successful Toast install when the following is true:
You recognize the limits of your Toast install, including reviewing the terms of the onboarding package you purchased.
You've procured an Internet connection, and it's fast enough to take payments.
You’ve taken time to plan out the space and decided where items will go.
Most Toast devices require Ethernet cabling to be run from the switch to the device. This includes:
The only Toast devices that are currently configured to use wireless as their primary connection are:
These devices rely on the access points, which do require ethernet connection to the router or switch. Please note, you can run the Toast devices on Ethernet cables rated between 10 MB and 100 MB, although it's NOT recommended. Cables rated between 10 MB and 100 MB often lead to system inconsistencies. Any cable rated below 10 MB should not be used.
A single Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable must be run from the desired location of each of the above pieces of hardware to the location of the Internet modem or Demarc. Terminal cable drops must be terminated with a RJ45 FEMALE jack to the T568B wiring scheme, ideally into a wall plate or a surface mount box. Six to 10 feet of slack should be left on each end of each cable to accommodate last-minute adjustments. Each cable must be labeled with a matching identifier on each end. Use a different identifier on each cable to facilitate troubleshooting.
The home runs next to the Internet modem or DEMARC should be terminated to a patch panel for organization and labeling purposes, as shown in the image below (left). However, if only a few cables are being run, they can be terminated to a wall-mounted plate as shown in the image below (right). Or, in some cases, the internet modem might not be located in a networking area (e.g., under the counter, host station, up on the shelf). In this case, the cables should terminate near the modem and be labeled as clearly as possible (for example: POS1, POS2, Kitchen, KDS, Dining Room AP, etc.).
Note: As long as the correct Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables are used with a compatible splitter, it would be possible to connect two printers to one Ethernet port using a splitter.
Toast's network should be isolated. Only Toast hardware should be connected to the Toast Meraki/Switch. If our Onboarding Consultants are assisting with the installation remotely, it will be the responsibility of the location to keep Toast's network isolated. If you've purchased on-site installation, our technicians will assist with organization as much as possible; however, they can only organize Toast's network. If the location's other systems are disorganized, this may impede Toast's ability to install your system.
If your existing cabling is unorganized, it can lead to a number of challenges:
If your cabling is disorganized, we can recommend contractors to help organize your network.
While Toast does not currently require isolated ground circuits, it's always a best practice to avoid plugging terminals into any outlet with appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, or blenders. Motorized devices cause power fluctuations, negatively impacting Toast devices and leading to hardware instability.
The Toast technicians do not travel with ladders. We require that customers provide ladders or step stools if necessary. Common installation activities that require ladders or step stools are:
For more information, see for some great pointers for installation.
If terminals or terminal bundles will be placed on counters or bars, especially customer-visible surfaces, then 2-3 inch holes must be cut into the surfaces before installation to allow the cables to run underneath. These holes must be located within two feet of each terminal. Remember that a cash register may be placed directly underneath the terminal, potentially blocking any holes for cords you’re planning out. Make sure not to drill holes too close to the exact location of the terminal. Check out this for more information on your hardware.
Toast requires that customers install all wall mounts before installation. You can purchase and install any wall mount that meets the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) standards. If you've purchased a Kitchen Display System screen, you'll receive a wall mount with your hardware. You are still required to install it. Learn more about mounting your .
Toast does not recommend installing your POS hardware while there is, or will be, active construction.
Here are common problems we find with systems installed before or during construction: