POS choices based on connectivity

PoS terminals must be connected to a communications network in order to work. There are many different types of terminals in the market, but they can all be classified into three main categories based on connectivity:

• Dial-up: These are phone line-based terminals and can be found in the majority of small to medium sized businesses. In order to be able to install this type of equipment, merchants will need a landline phone connection on their premises.
• IP-based (always on): These terminals utilize broadband connectivity and are attached to a cable modem, DSL modem, or an IP router to process transactions. Unlike dial-up terminals, IP terminals are always faster in processing transactions and at the same time keep merchants’ phone lines free, allowing businesses to run without interruption.
• GPRS (mobile): These terminals do not require a traditional phone line or an Internet connection but use regular SIM cards to access a cellular network, such as GPRS or CDMA.These are suitable for merchants who are in need of high speed and mobility.