An IP address is a unique number which identifies different devices within your network. Think of it like a telephone number for each device. There are two types of IP address:

  • Dynamic - This means the IP address will change over time
  • Static - The IP address will always be the same

Your router (normally supplied by your ISP) controls the IP address that is assigned to your devices.

Dynamic IP's cause problems as the address for your printers can change over time. Each time it changes, VestiPOS is unaware of the change and keeps trying to connect to your printer via its old IP address. 

To avoid this, you should always set printers to use static IP addresses.

Note: This is only relevant for Wireless & Ethernet printers. USB & Bluetooth ones work in a different way. 

Don't worry, whilst the world of IP addresses can sound like part of a technical wilderness, setting a static IP address on your receipt printer can be achieved with a few simple steps.

Setting a static IP address

Normally, you'll need to connect to your routers admin panel (like a normal website) and select the correct option. 

If your ISP is listen below, then follow the steps listed

Alternatively, as each router is different, please reach out to the support team of your ISP or your routers manufacturer for guidance. Ask them: "Please can you send me the steps to setup a reserved a static local IP address for a device (printer) on my router?".

Setting a static IP address: BT Business Broadband

Follow the steps under the "Business Smart Hub" section, skip past the first set of steps until you get to the "How do I assign Static IP addresses to a device?" section:

Setting a static IP address: DrayTek Routers

Follow the steps in this support guide:

Setting a static IP address: NetGear Routers

Follow the steps in this support guide:

Obtaining the receipt printer's current IP address

When setting up a static IP address, you may need to know the current address for the printer. You can find this by following these steps:

  1. Ensure the receipt printer is plugged in but powered off, has a roll of paper inserted and is connected to your router
  2. Press and hold the Feed button on the front of the printer.
  3. Switch the power button (located on the side of the printer) to the on position whilst continuing to hold the Feed button.
  4. Two receipt slips will be printed with diagnostic information on. On the second slip under the section "Current IP Parameters Status" your printer IP address will be displayed next to "IP Address". You can now release the feed button.
  5. Leave the receipt printer powered on and connected to the same network as your computer.