Connecting to and Managing WiFi Networks

Connecting to and Managing WiFi Networks

Connecting your NarcBox to a WiFi connection is as simple as connecting any other modern internet enabled device. The NarcBox supports all 2.4 GHz WEP/WPA/WPA2 type connections as well as enterprise security. Open networks, 5 GHz bandwidth or networks requiring an internet browser login are not currently supported.

The NarcBox can store up to 6 WiFi networks, and can roam between them automatically depending on what is available and the strongest. When a transaction occurs on the NarcBox it automatically scans to find what is available. If a network is available and is on the saved list, it will connect to that network. If multiple saved networks are available, it will connect to the first or strongest available network on the saved network list.

First Time WiFi Connection Steps - 

  1. First, you will need to know the WiFi name (SSID) and it's password before attempting to connect.  Keep in mind WiFi passwords are always case sensitive.
  2. Plug in the NarcBox.  Allow the box to load for at least 30 seconds to allow time for the WiFi module to boot up.
  3. Press the Settings Gear Icon in the top right corner of the screen, select "WiFi", and "Scan for Networks".
  4. Find your desired network in the list, press on the network name to select.
  5. This will bring up a screen showing the details of that network, and a location to enter a password. Press on the password field to enter your WiFi password. 
  6. On the password entry screens, there are navigation buttons at the bottom to select small letters, caps, numbers and symbols. The NarcBox supports most standard WiFi allowed characters up to 30 characters. Once you have entered your WiFi password, select "Done", then "Save". The NarcBox will then connect to the network. 
  7. You will need to repeat this process for every network you want saved on the NarcBox.



Forgetting a Network - 

You can delete WiFi networks by going into the "Saved Networks" list, selecting a network, and choosing "Forget".  Select "Yes" to confirm deletion. The Narcbox will then delete that network info and will no longer automatically connect to that network. 

The NarcBox supports connecting to hidden WiFi networks (No SSID broadcast)-

You must be on 2.42+ firmware to use this feature. You can connect without scanning by going into the WiFi menu, selecting "Configuration" and "Manual Config" for older Firmware or "Advanced" for the latest Firmware. You will the be prompted to enter the SSID (WiFi network name), followed by the network password. Press "Connect" after entering the WiFi information.  The NarcBox will then attempt to save and connect to that network. Once saved, it will treat it like any other network and connect to it automatically when necessary. 


Troubleshooting tips-

  1. If you click "save" on a network and the Narcbox will not connect, it is almost always an incorrect password. Please check your password and remember that passwords are always case sensitive. 
  1. If the Narcbox saves the network, and shows a green WiFi icon but can't contact the server (no sync, no live time), it is possible the router didn't initialize the link properly or there is no data flowing on the connection.  Let the Narcbox reattempt the connection by following these steps:
  1. First, does this connection require a secondary browser login?  For example, once you have connected to this WiFi network, does the network require you to accept the terms and conditions of this network in order to fully connect and browse (very common for public WiFi networks)?  If the WiFi network does require a secondary authentication, you will need to work with your IT department for an alternate network connection that does not require this.
  1. If your network connection has a firewall and its blocking the NarcBox from sending requests to the server and back again, you will need to make sure that your internet is allowing traffic to and from http://www.narcbox.com//* (port 80) AND https://narcbox.com//* (port 443).  If you have an HQ, please also allow all communication to and from.

  2. We have also found it very beneficial to whitelist the Mac Address of each device too.  This ensures your network connection will allow the device to connect every time it needs to. You can find the Mac Address on the NarcBox by going into 'Settings' (gear icon, top right), 'Wifi' and then select 'Advanced'.  The Mac Address on the HQ can be found by going into 'Settings' then 'WiFi Settings' and it will be listed on the right side of that screen.  It has been reported to us that the Mac Address on the HQ might not be correct. Please double check on your network backend device connection list for the correct Mac Address.  The HQ will appear as connected as a raspberry pi.  Whatever the Mac Address is that's connected to the raspberry pi is the one to use, not the one on the HQ.  We are aware of this issue and will be fixing it in the future.
  1. If your network does not require a secondary authentication, you have confirmed there are no firewalls or the firewall tools are set in place, and the network and password are correct:
  1. Go to the Menu -> System -> Maintenance (for older firmware).  Go to the Menu -> NarcBox Settings (for the latest firmware).
  1. Press "Reset". The NarcBox will reboot; wait 2 minutes.  On the older Firmware go into Settings and the logo next to the WiFi will turn green if connected.  On the latest Firmware, you will see the WiFi logo turn green on the main screen when connected to WiFi.
  2. You can also do an internal reset by opening the door, pressing and holding the red/black button (it's right behind the touch screen and above the security shield) for a good 10 seconds, then waiting 1 full minute for the NarcBox to reboot without touching the screen.
  1. If you are still connected and cannot contact the server (no sync, no live time), reboot your router and allow it to fully reload.  Once reloaded, you should be able to see the WiFi logo turn green on the main screen with the latest Firmware or go to Settings and when the WiFi logo is green, press "Sync".

If you are having trouble connecting your NarcBox to WiFi, please call us at 888-627-2269 (888-NARCBOX), email at support@narcbox.com, submit a ticket via this knowledge base section or contact your IT team.


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