Broadband card payment terminals use the internet. Are they safe?
Yes. Card data passed over the internet is SSL encrypted, providing a high level of data security. Streamline broadband card payment terminals also perform a 'mutual authentication' for each transaction. This makes it possible for us to deny access to any terminal if it has been reported as stolen - rendering the device useless.
This mutual authentication means there are no restrictions on your choice of internet provider.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption is a protocol that provides security for communications over networks such as the internet. SSL is widely used in applications like web browsing, email and instant messaging. The protocol allows your broadband card payment terminal and Streamline to communicate securely without any eavesdropping and tampering.
Mutual Authentication refers to the way that your broadband card payment terminal and the Streamline servers ensure are assured of each others' identity.
Mutual Authentication gives you an enhanced level of protection. If the terminal is lost or stolen, the pre shared key can be 'turned off' so that it will not permit transactions to be passed to the Streamline servers. This helps to prevent possible fraudulent transactions.
What do I need before a broadband card payment terminal can be installed?
You'll need:
A broadband internet connection
A high speed router
Available Ethernet ports on the router - one for every terminal you want to connect
Ethernet (Cat5) cable to go from the router to the terminal
Router settings - internet access for outbound traffic enabled
DHCP enabled and MAC filtering disabled on your router - these tend to be factory settings for shop purchased routers. Provided you haven't re-configured the router, there should be no problems installing the terminal.
A power socket within 1.5 metres of each broadband card payment terminal
My Broadband provider has supplied a USB modem rather than a router - can I plug the broadband card payment terminal into this?
No. You'll need a high speed router with an available open Ethernet port for each broadband card payment terminal you want to connect. An Ethernet port is sometimes called a LAN or RJ45. If there are no spare Ethernet ports on your router, you will need a hub to provide additional ports.
You may want to contact your Internet Service Provider, to get your existing equipment upgraded, or you can buy a Router from most good computer retailers
Will the Broadband card payment terminal be supplied with ethernet cable?
No, you must supply enough ethernet cable to run between your high-speed router and each terminal. For fixed terminals, you may need around 1.5 metres of additional cable at the counter to easily pass the terminal over to the customer. The maximum length of cable between your router and a card payment terminal should not exceed 90 metres.
What are the configuration settings for the router?
Internet access for outbound traffic enabled. IPSec connections and Virtual Private Network (VPN) will not work with our Broadband terminals
DHCP enabled
MAC filtering disabled
These tend to be factory settings for shop purchased routers. Provided you haven't re-configured the router, there should be no problems installing the terminal.
I operate a controlled / managed network and can't enable some or all of the router settings, what should I do?
Some large and multi-site organisations implement controls over their network and firewall access. This can sometimes mean that these organisations cannot enable DHCP and full outbound internet access.
If this is the case, our Broadband card payment terminal will not be able to get through your firewall and reach the public internet system. Details of the network and firewall settings needed to access the internet can be obtained from your Streamline Account Manager.
However, these settings are not fixed permanently and may be subject to change in the future without formal notification to customers. This could mean that any terminal relying on these settings may experience future complications.
If you rely on the setting details, we recommend that you check for changes with your Account Manager regularly. If your Broadband card payment terminals experience problems in future, we strongly advise that you first check these settings before taking any other action
I am already a Streamline customer, will my existing card payment terminal be able to be upgraded to Broadband?
Possibly. If your card payment terminal is a Gemalto X8, a Verifone Vx670 or a Verifone Vx810 then it could be upgraded to let you route your card payment transactions over your Broadband card payment terminal connection.
I am already a Streamline customer, do I have to pay the engineer call out fee?
No, as an existing customer, you will not be charged for the engineer installation service. Remember, if you have Broadband compatible card payment terminals (Verifone Vx670, Verifone Vx810 or Gemalto X8), you'll be able to upgrade to Broadband yourself - assisted by our helpdesk at no charge.
I am already a Streamline customer, and pay a £10 monthly polling fee. Will I still need to pay this for the Broadband version?
No, Broadband card payment terminals are permanently online so there is no need to authorise and then poll the file overnight. There is no monthly polling fee.
Interested in accepting card payments? Don't hesitate to get in touch.
see more