What You Need for a Backoffice Connection

Purpose

This article lists the tools and hardware you’ll need to set up a Backoffice connection between your Windows PC and your Managed Network Service Provider (MNSP) box.

Before You Begin

Make sure your store has the following items ready. These components can be essential for establishing a stable Backoffice connection. We recommend purchasing these items from a retailer that has an easy return policy in the event that they are not used during the installation.

Required Equipment

Item	Description	Notes
🖥 Windows PC or Laptop	Required for the connection setup.	If using a laptop, ensure it has an Ethernet port available.
🔌 USB-to-Ethernet Adapter	Allows connection if your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port or if the Ethernet port is already in use.	Click here for recommended adapter
🔀 Network Port Switch (5-Port Minimum)	Lets you share a network connection if your MNSP box has limited ports.	Click here for recommended switch
🧵 Ethernet Cables (Cat 5 or Cat 6)	Used to connect your PC to the MNSP box.	Choose one cable long enough to reach from your PC to the MNSP box. A second shorter cable may also be required if using a Network Port switch.

💡 Tip: Some MNSP boxes only have one dedicated backoffice port. If that port is already in use, you’ll need a port switch to share the connection.

Identifying Your MNSP Box

Your Managed Network Service Provider (MNSP) box is a device that connects your POS system, pumps, and credit card processing network.

All gas stations have one of these boxes — it’s usually located near your router or POS equipment.

Common types of MNSP boxes include:

Cybera
Hughes
Fortinet
Acumera
Mako
Paysafe UTM

Images of these MNSP boxes can be found in the next article.

Next Step

Once you have all the required equipment, continue to the next article: Identifying Your MNSP and Preparing Your Backoffice Connection