Zaptec Pro can connect to the internet using Wi-Fi, PLC (Power Line Communication), or 4G LTE-M. Choose the option that works best for your setup. A good internet connection ensures optimal performance and access to features like remote management, updates, and access to the Zaptec Cloud for optimal operation.

• If Wi-Fi or PLC is unavailable, the charging station should automatically use the built-in 4G LTE-M. While having an internet connection is recommended, the charging station will still work offline and charge your car.

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. Select Configure products and use the PIN code to connect to the charger via Bluetooth.
3. Scroll down to Network Settings > Tap Switch to Wi-Fi or Connect to Wi-Fi.
4. Choose your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and tap Save.

Wi-Fi recommendations

To ensure follow these recommendations:

• Use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (b, g, or n). Check your router settings to make sure this is enabled.  
• Set your router to a static channel (1, 6, or 11) instead of automatic channel selection to avoid interference, especially in areas with multiple access points (APs). 
• Make sure the Wi-Fi signal strength near the charging stations is at least -75 dBm.
• Avoid obstacles: Large objects like walls or cars can block the signal. Place your router where it can cover the charging station without interference.
  
  

What can affect Wi-Fi strength? 

Wi-Fi performance can drop due to:

• 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 the best results, ask your network provider for help finding the right spot for your access points.

Understanding Wi-Fi signal strength

Wi-Fi i measured in dBm (decibels per milliwatt). Here's how it works:

• A 3dBm drop halves the signal strength, and a 3dBm increase doubles it.
• For example, a signal of -78dBm is only half as strong as -75dBm, even though the difference seems small. 

Using multiple Wi-Fi access points (APs)

If you're system has several access points: 

• Use different channels for each access point to reduce interference.
• Name each access point a unique name (SSID) to make sure the charging stations connects to the right one. 
• Power adjustment: Long-range (LR) is good outdoors; short-range (SR) work best indoors. Reduce power for APs close to charging stations to prevent interference.
• Whitelist chargers: Assign each charging stations MAC address to the nearest AP to avoid weak connections. If there are multiple APs, it is advantageous to "white list" the MAC addresses of the chargers to each AP to prevent chargers from connecting to the same AP or an AP with low signal strength.

Fewer, well-placed APs work better than having too many in poor locations. 

Router recommendations

• Use your own industrial router instead of the one provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
• An industrial router gives better stability and control over settings.
• Inform your ISP of your planned setup to avoid disruptions.

DHCP

• When installing with dynamic IP addresses (DHCP) make sure the network is dedicated to the chargers to avoid running out of IP addresses.
• Reduce DHCP lease time to allow quick IP reassignment when needed.
• Dedicate the network to chargers to avoid running out of IPs.

How to connect Zaptec Pro to PLC 

PLC (Power Line Communication) uses your existing power lines for data transfer, making it ideal for installations 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. 

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), but it doesn’t support older 2G or 3G networks. LTE-M currently covers about half of the UK, so Wi-Fi or PLC is recommended for better reliability.

Updated 03 February 2025 09:24