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FlexWash LAN

At a high level the FlexWash LAN looks like this. High Level Network(3) Pn

IP Assignment

Our FlexWash subnet is 172.162.184.0/24. Static Range: 172.162.184.1–172.162.184.199 (reserve .1 for the gateway; .0 is the network address, .255 is broadcast, don’t use either). All the devices we know of are programmed in this range. Dynamic Range: 172.162.184.200–172.162.184.254. Devices in this range are assigned by DHCP, which typically means that we don’t recognize them. Devices that we send commands to need to be in the static range, for example the tunnel controller. Devices that only issue commands can be in this range, for example pay tablets.

Example Installation

Example Site Pn A typical site looks like this, comprised of the LAN devices above.
Check our Flexwash Queues article.

Coordinator Networking Requirements

We typically recommend connecting the coordinator directly to your ISP router to ensure that it has a direct connection to the internet with minimal interference. To ensure a stable connection, we require that the network that the coordinator is plugged into support IPv4 (most do by default). If you are unsure, check with your ISP or network administrator.
Advanced Users Only: If you are running a more sophisticated IT setup, you may connect the coordinator into your network in the manner you see fit, as long as you have the in-house networking expertise to properly support your custom configuration. Our hard requirements are IPv4 support and that the coordinator have access to the public internet, and we strongly recommend against applying outbound firewall rules to the coordinator’s internet traffic to avoid any potential interference with day-to-day operations.
Either way, the coordinator MUST NOT be publicly accessible from the internet. Inbound traffic from the public internet MUST NOT be allowed to reach the coordinator, except for traffic in reply to outbound connections established by the coordinator. This is the default for most stock network configurations. The Ethernet switch(es) and wireless access points that we provide are for the sole purpose of connecting peripheral devices such as gates, cameras, RFID readers, pay tablets, etc, to the coordinator. These switches and access points form an internal network that sits behind and is managed by the coordinator, and is kept separate and isolated from your own network. Your existing network MUST NOT be connected to any of the switches we provide. The coordinator will be the only new device connected to and visible on your existing network. Devices other than authorized peripherals MUST NOT be connected to this internal network, either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Ignoring these rules can lead to the destabilization of the internal network and the disruption of your operations.

Coordinator Wiring

Depending on the model, the coordinator must be wired according to these specs: coordinator-wiring Coordinator2 Jp

Switch Wiring

The switch must be wired according to this spec. Note ports 1 and 2 are special. Make sure unused ports are covered with the provided dust protectors to prevent damage. switch-wiring

Edge Switch

Edswcln Pn This small switch is used to reduce the number of cables running to the checkout area from the main switch The Edge Switch is located in the checkout area. You’ll run a single Ethernet cable from the main switch (the large one in the network cabinet) to the Edge Switch. From the Edge Switch, you can connect other peripherals such as:
  • Camera
  • RFID Reader
  • Access Point
  • Gate Controller
    Edge Switch Port 1 must be connected back to the main switch.On the main switch, this cable must be plugged into Port 17 or above.
Screenshot2025 07 17at3 33 06PM2 Pn

Battery Backup & Surge Protection

Car Washes use heavy electrical equipment and 3 phase power supplies. This increases the risk of power surges. Just one electrical spike can damage your essential equipment. It is very important to make sure you use the provided UPC correctly. Make sure ONLY FLEXWASH EQUIPMENT is plugged into this power supply. If you overload this power supply it will NOT work correctly.
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: UPC Pn After a power surge, make sure you reset the internal breaker by pressing the button shown below: Breaker2222 Jp
The battery backup is only for transient protection but should give you around 30 minutes of failover during a power outage.