Zaptec Pro can connect to the internet using Wi-Fi, PLC (Power Line Communication), or 4G LTE-M. Choose the option that fits your installation. A stable connection gives you remote management, software updates, and reliable access to Zaptec Cloud.

• If Wi‑Fi or PLC is not available, the charging station will automatically use the built‑in 4G LTE‑M. The charger will still charge a car without an internet connection, but we recommend keeping it online for the best performance.

Note for the UK: 4G LTE‑M currently covers roughly half of the UK. For stable operation, we recommend using Wi‑Fi or PLC where possible.

How to connect Zaptec Pro to Wi-Fi 

1. Open the Zaptec App and tap the three-dot icon at the top right on the Dashboard.
2. Tap Configure products and connect to the charger via Bluetooth using the PIN code.
3. Scroll down to Network Settings and tap Switch to Wi-Fi or Connect to Wi-Fi.
4. Choose your Wi-Fi network (SSID), enter the password, and tap Save.

Wi-Fi recommendations

To ensure a stable Wi‑Fi connection, follow these recommendations:

• Use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (b, g, or n). Check your router settings to make sure 2.4 GHz is enabled.
• Set your router to a static channel (1, 6, or 11) instead of automatic channel selection, especially where several access points (APs) are installed.
• Make sure the Wi-Fi signal strength near the charging stations is at least -75 dBm.
• Avoid obstacles: walls, ceilings, parked cars and metal surfaces can weaken the signal. Position your router or access point so it can cover the charging station with as few obstacles as possible.

What can affect Wi-Fi strength? 

Wi‑Fi performance can drop because of:

• Moving objects like garage doors or gates.
• Obstructions such as walls, ceilings, or parked cars.

Always measure the signal strength where the charger will be installed to avoid surprises.
For larger or more complex installations, ask your network provider for help placing access points.

Understanding Wi-Fi signal strength

Wi‑Fi signal strength is measured in dBm (decibels per milliwatt).

• A 3 dBm drop halves the signal strength.
• A 3 dBm increase doubles it.

For example, a signal of −78 dBm is only half as strong as −75 dBm, even though the numbers look close.

Using multiple Wi-Fi access points (APs)

If your system uses several access points:

• Use different channels for each access point to reduce interference.
• Give each access point a unique SSID so the charging stations connect to the correct one.
  • Remember: SSIDs must not contain spaces or the letters Å, Ä, or Ö.
• Adjust transmit power:
  • Use long‑range (LR) settings outdoors.
  • Use short‑range (SR) settings indoors.
  • Reduce power for APs located close to the charging stations to avoid interference.
• Whitelist chargers: Assign each charging station’s MAC address to the nearest AP, so the charger does not connect to an AP with low signal strength.

Fewer, well‑placed access points are usually better than many APs in poor locations.

Router recommendations

For professional or larger installations:

• Use an industrial‑grade router instead of the standard router from your internet service provider (ISP).
• Industrial routers give more stable performance and better control of network settings.
• Inform your ISP about your planned setup so they do not change or reset critical settings.

DHCP and IP addresses

If you use dynamic IP addresses (DHCP):

• Use a dedicated network or VLAN for the charging stations. This helps prevent IP address exhaustion from other devices.
• Reduce the DHCP lease time to allow fast reassignment of IP addresses if devices disconnect and reconnect frequently.

How to connect Zaptec Pro to PLC 

PLC (Power Line Communication) uses your existing power lines for data transfer, making it ideal for installations with multiple charging stations. Here's how to connect: 

1. Open the Zaptec app and tap the three-dot icon at the top right on the Dashboard.
2. Select Configure products and use the PIN code to connect via Bluetooth.
3. Scroll to Network Settings and tap Configure PLC.
4. Tap Scan network name and use your camera to scan the QR code on the PLC module. 
   (iPhone users can upload from the gallery.)
5. Tap Save to connect to network.

Best practices

• Use one PLC module per course/cable run.
• Place the PLC module close to the charging stations for long runs.
• Zaptec Pro uses phases L1 and N for PLC communication. Use L1 and N as well when installing the PLC module. Connection: N + L1 + PE.
• In IT network, only connect to the two phases powering L1 and N at the charging stations (L1 and L3) + PE.
• If the PLC modules are fully encrypted, configure the charging stations as described in the procedure supplied with the PLC module.

Read more about PLC network and setup here.

Connect Zaptec Pro to 4G LTE-M

Zaptec Pro comes with a built-in 4G LTE-M eSIM that connects automatically when the charging station is powered on. The Zaptec charging stations communicate through Telenor's 4G LTE-M network, which is designed for low-energy IoT devices and provides a reliable connection, even in areas with limited standard 4G coverage. The eSIM is embedded in the charger and cannot be replaced or shared. 

• Zaptec Pro uses 4G LTE-M (CAT-M1). LTE-M currently covers about half of the UK, so Wi-Fi or PLC is recommended for better reliability.

To set up 4G LTE-M manually:

1. Open the Zaptec app and tap the three-dot icon on the Dashboard.
2. Select Configure products and connect via Bluetooth using the PIN code.
3. Go to Network Settings, tap Connect to 4G, and Save.

Things to keep in mind with 4G LTE-M

• Coverage: Make sure your area has 4G LTE-M coverage. Check local coverage maps or try with another Zaptec charging station to test. General IoT coverage info can be found here: https://www.gsma.com/iot/deployment-map/
• Placement: Avoid placing the charging stations in areas where objects like thick walls or metal can block the signal. 
• Backup: Always have an alternative communication method, like Wi-Fi or Power Line Communication (PLC), ready in case of LTE-M network issues.
• Note for the UK: Zaptec Pro uses 4G LTE-M (CAT-M1). LTE-M currently covers about half of the UK, so Wi-Fi or PLC is recommended for better reliability.

Updated 17 December 2025 13:26