How do I set up my Genius device using the communications module?

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Important: If you attach your cables directly to the communications module, make sure you keep your multiport cable in a safe place. You may need to use the multiport cable if you have technical problems with your Genius device.

To set up your Genius device, you need to:

Part 1. Attach the cables to your Genius device

Important: Do not attach a Power over Ethernet (POE) cable to your Genius device. Attaching a POE cable to your Genius device can damage the connection ports.

To set up your Genius device, you need to attach the following:

  • 12V power adapter
  • Network cable

Attach the 12V power adapter to the communications module

The 12V power adapter connects your Genius device to a power source. To attach the 12V power adapter to the communications module:

Step 1. Make sure that the communications module is firmly in place on your Genius device.

Step 2. Insert the 12V power adapter into the +12VDC port on the communications module.

Step 3. Plug the 12V power adapter into a power socket. Your Genius device should turn on.
If your Genius device does not turn on, contact our Genius Support Team.

The communications module with a call out that shows where the 12V power adapter attaches to the module.

Attach the network cable to the communications module

The network cable connects your Genius device to your router, so that your Genius device can connect to the Internet and to your POS. To attach the network cable to the communications module:

Step 1. Insert one end of the cable into an available port on your router or switch.

A network cable connecting to a port on a router or switch.

Step 2. Insert the other end of the cable into an available Ethernet port on the communications module.

The communications module that shows where the network cable attaches to the module.

Part 2. Set the IP address for your Genius device

You can set either a Dynamic IP address or a Static IP address on your Genius device:

Option 1. Dynamic IP - When you use a dynamic IP address, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server automatically assigns an IP address to the devices connected to your network. If the network is disconnected or if the DHCP server is rebooted, the server automatically reassigns the IP addresses, which means the IP address of your Genius device can change.

If the IP address of your Genius device changes, your POS can no longer communicate with your Genius device. You need to update your POS with the new IP address.

Option 2. Static IP – When you use a static IP address, you manually assign an IP address to each device connected to your network.

By default, your Genius device uses a dynamic IP address, this means you need only to configure your POS to target your Genius device’s IP address. However, you can configure a static IP address on your Genius device instead of using a dynamic IP address.

Note: Some POS systems can communicate with Genius using a host name. For more information about using DNS with Genius, contact your POS provider.

Part 3. Configure your POS to work with your Genius device

Your POS can communicate with Genius using either an IP address or a host name. Consult with your POS provider to determine which method you should use:

Option 1. IP address- An IP address is a unique address that allows devices to communicate with each other. By default, your Genius device uses a dynamic IP address. If your IP address changes often, or if your POS requires a Static IP address, you can set a static IP address on your Genius device.

Option 2. Host name- A host name is a unique name we give to your Genius device.

To configure your POS, you need:

  • Your Merchantware credentials, including your:
      - Merchantware name
      - Site ID 
      - Authentication key 
  • The IP address or host name of your Genius device
Next steps: Check your Genius device is ready to use.

Modified on: Tue, 26 Feb, 2019 at 11:24 AM