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Network Setup

PlugStream smart features and installer handover require the charger to reach PlugStream Cloud. Confirm the network route before leaving site.

Confirm the network route during site preparation. For full setup screenshots, see Setting up Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Choose the connection method

Ethernet

Use Ethernet where available. Connect the cable to the charger Ethernet port and confirm the site network provides DHCP and internet access.

Wi-Fi

Use Wi-Fi where Ethernet is not available. Confirm the SSID and password before starting commissioning.

Wi-Fi must be available at the charger location, not only near the router.

PlugStream Wi-Fi can be configured in two ways:

  • Bluetooth setup through the PlugStream Installer app, where the phone connects to the charger over Bluetooth and sends the Wi-Fi details during commissioning.
  • The setup hotspot and setup page, where the charger broadcasts its own temporary hotspot and the installer sets up Wi-Fi from a phone or laptop browser.

Use the Bluetooth app flow where it is available for the installation. Use the setup hotspot when the app flow is not available, when firmware requires it, or when PlugStream Support directs you to use it.

Setup hotspot password

The hotspot is called PlugStream-XXXX, where XXXX is the last 4 characters of the serial number. Its password depends on the firmware:

  • Firmware 1.72 or later: the charger's local access password. It is printed on the Local access card in the box, and the owner can see it in the MyPlugStream app. Scan the card's QR code to join the hotspot.
  • Firmware before 1.72, or a charger with no local access password yet: the adoption code on the shipping-box label, exactly as printed. The oldest chargers use the serial number in capital letters instead.

On a charger that came with a card, the serial number is never the hotspot password. Log in to the setup page with the serial number as the username and the local access password as the password.

See Your charger's local access password.

Mobile connectivity

If mobile connectivity is part of the installation, confirm the required PlugStream hardware is fitted and that signal is available at the charger location.

Installer app checks

During commissioning, the installer app checks for:

  • network connection
  • cloud/OCPP connection
  • DNS/TLS status where reported by the charger
  • charger heartbeat or live diagnostics

If the app shows the charger offline, do not complete handover until the network route has been resolved.

Common issues

Wrong Wi-Fi password

Re-enter the password carefully. Check for similar-looking characters such as 0 and O.

Weak Wi-Fi signal

Move the router/access point, use Ethernet, or improve the site network before handover.

Captive portal or guest network

Avoid networks that require a web login or guest acceptance page. The charger needs direct outbound internet access.

Firewall restrictions

For firewall, DNS, DHCP, and NTP details, see Network Requirements for PlugStream Charge Points.

Before handover

Confirm:

  • the charger is online
  • the charger has connected to PlugStream Cloud
  • firmware checks can run
  • live diagnostics refresh in the installer app
  • the Local access card from the box is handed to the customer with the charger. It holds the owner's local access password. Chargers supplied before the card was introduced do not have one.

If any of these checks fail, resolve the site network before handing the charger to the customer.

Next step

When the charger is mounted and the network route is ready, power on the charger and follow How to use the PlugStream Installer app.