On-Prem Installation

FlexWash network topology looks like this. This topology is typically installed like this but the specifics can vary site to site.

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Ethernet Cables

At minimum we require CAT5E cables for all our peripherals. This cable will work with both auxiliary power and PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices. Other cables like CAT6 and CAT6A will work as long as they are compatible with **CAT5E **standards.

Replacing bad cables is laborious and difficult. We strongly recommend you use a high quality cable from a reputable brand. We’ve had good experience with TrueCable. Avoid running these cables in the same conduit you have high voltage as that will cause interference.

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Office Equipment

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1. Power Supply

First setup the power supply. Make sure the battery terminals are connected before you plug in FlexWash equipment. All FlexWash equipment must be plugged into the ports labeled Battery + Surge as shown on the image below: Next we will power on the coordinator and switch.

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2. Coordinator

The coordinator looks like this. Connect the coordinator to the power supply we setup earlier, then push the power button and wait for the power light to turn on.

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3. Switch

The switch looks like this. Plug this switch into the power supply we setup earlier. It should boot up automatically.

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4. Connect Office Devices

Depending on the model, the coordinator must be wired according to these specs:

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a. ISP Router/Modem

This connection is for internet access. Plug an ethernet cable from your router or modem to the coordinator.

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b. Cellular Dongle

Plug the dongle into the adapter and the adapter into the coordinator. This is for limited backup internet in case of a network outage. See cellular failover docs for more details.

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c. Switch

Plug a CAT5/CAT6 cable from the coordinator to port 1 on the switch. Always leave port 2 empty.

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Connect Peripherals

Peripherals are devices that connect to the network via CAT5E/CAT6 cable to a switch or WiFi. If wired, these devices must be connected to the switch in ports 3 to 24.

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5. Edge Switch

An edge switch is used to reduce the number of CAT5E/CAT6 cables you have to run to the office switch. Typically there is one edge switch per checkout lane. Connect the edge switch port 1 to port 17-24 in the office switch. Other peripherals are plugged into port 2 to 5 on the edge switch.

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6. WiFi Access Points

Connect the WiFi access point. These can be connected either

• directly to the switch in the office (ports 3-24)
• to an edge switch (ports 2-5)

We will need access points wherever you need to work with FlexWash wirelessly. Typically there is one to cover the office/lobby area, one to cover the checkout area, and one to cover the vacuum lot if you plan on selling there.

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7. Gates

Connect the gate to an open port in the edge switch. FlexWash supports Elka and Magnetic gates. See linked docs for more specific information.

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8. LPR Cameras

Connect the cameras to the edge switch in the corresponding checkout lane. See LPR installation docs for detailed instructions.

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9. RFID Reader

Connect the RFID to the closest edge switch. Make sure to use the outdoor rated coupler correctly to prevent water damage. See RFID reader docs for more details.

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10. Tunnel Tablet

The tunnel tablet can be either wired or wirelessly (via WiFi) connected to the FlexWash network depending on the model.