Toast Network Requirements Overview

In this Article:

• Toast Network Requirements
• IP Schema and Range Reservations
• Firewalls, Allowlisting, and Configuration
• Wired Network Infrastructure
• Physical Network Segregation & VLANs
• Wireless Network Infrastructure

Toast Network Requirements

Toast provides all necessary network infrastructure during a standard deployment to operate with minimal configuration or manipulation on the customer's behalf. However, there are instances where customers choose to have a “Self Managed Network ” (“SMN”) or have a “Third Party Service Provider” (“TPSP”) manage the network for them. In such cases, Toast recommends that the network and implementation still be deployed using the specifications that Toast installs with, as this will help Toast Support if you need to call in for assistance. Below is the list of requirements/preferences for deploying Toast to ease troubleshooting if situations should arise.

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IP Schema and Range Reservations

• Toast Managed Networks operate on the 192.168.192.0/24 network with a gateway of 192.168.192.1. However, as a Self-Managed Network, you may operate on your own IP Scheme.
• Toast printers come shipped by default to use DHCP and do not require network configuration.

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Firewalls, Allowlisting, and Configuration

• For Toast to operate successfully, the URL destinations and ports in the Toast Firewall Allowlist must be configured for outbound traffic.

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Wired Network Infrastructure

• All cabling should be Cat5e or higher and properly terminated in the EIA/TIA568B wiring standard. Due to the varying codes concerning how and what wiring is to be used for networking installations, any installation services provided by Toast do not include any cabling requests longer than 10’, through walls, or in crawl spaces/open-air areas.
• The router/firewall should have Quality of Service (QoS) setup to ensure sufficient bandwidth is dedicated to Toast.
• Toast recommends a minimum speed of 15 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, which should be dedicated strictly to Toast. If these speeds cannot be dedicated to Toast alone, please consult your ISP to increase them or reach out to your Toast Onboarding Consultant to discuss solutions.

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Physical Network Segregation & VLANs

• Toast recommends physically segmenting the network from other outside traffic/network communications. This means that all Toast-specific networking components, including Terminals, Printers, Access Points, KDS, peripherals, etc., must be physically segmented.
• Non-Toast network devices, such as network components, computers, routers, tablets, cell phones, and repeaters, should not be connected to the same network as Toast.
• A logical segmentation, or VLAN, can be utilized if you cannot physically segment the network. To do this, the following configuration will need to be performed:
  • A VLAN should be set up for the Toast POS network, separate from all other traffic
  • At least one physical Ethernet port mapped to this VLAN should be available for each IP Device.
  • The ports should be clearly labeled “FOR TOAST USE ONLY”.
  • Non-Toast devices should NOT be connected to this VLAN.
• Be sure to enable both your applicable router system (Unicast, Anycast, or Multicast), as well as Bonjour.
• Disable client isolation, as this will allow devices to communicate with each other on the network.

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Wireless Network Infrastructure

• All wireless communications should be set to operate on the 5Ghz band and on the “least utilized channel.” Toast does not use the 2.4Ghz channels for Implementation, as many devices, appliances, and technologies communicate near this band, which can cause interference and connectivity issues with handhelds and your Toast network. Failure to do so can cause issues with order sending, order timing, and overall performance of the tablets, handhelds, and Toast network services.
• Access points are to be installed in centrally located positions in the restaurant, away from Electromagnetic Interference (“EMI”) sources (such as Microwaves, speakers, motors, refrigerators, etc.) to prevent signal interference and connectivity issues with handhelds and your Toast network.
• Access to the network should never drop below -65dBm in service areas where handhelds will be accessing the Toast network. Failure to do so can cause issues with order sending, order timing, and overall performance of the tablets, handhelds, and Toast network services.
• If using wireless, the SSID for Toast use should belong to the same Virtual Local Area Network (“VLAN”) that was set up for the Toast POS network. Print routing will be negatively affected if the Toast SSID is not set up for the same VLAN.
• Broadcasted SSIDs should use WPA2/AES personal encryption.

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Additional Resources for Toast Network Requirements 

• Networking & Devices Site Readiness Guide

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