Management method for a dynamically adaptable local area network

Abstract

This provides a management method and management system that automatically establishes a failover network without requiring technical intervention in the event of a LAN failure, and automatically returns to the primary LAN and synchronizes data after the failure is resolved. [Solution] The method includes detecting a LAN connection failure in a local area network (LAN), configuring the primary POS terminal as a wireless hotspot in response to the detection of the failure, establishing an ad-hoc network using the wireless hotspot, enabling communication between the primary POS terminal and one or more devices via the ad-hoc network and monitoring the recovery of the LAN connection, detecting that the LAN connection has been restored, and, in response to the detection of the recovery of the LAN connection, restoring the primary POS terminal and one or more devices to the LAN connection.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to network management technology in retail environments, and more specifically to technology for dynamically configuring POS terminals as wireless hotspots to automatically establish a failover network and maintain business continuity when a failure occurs in the local area network (LAN) on which a point-of-sale (POS) system relies. [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0002] Conventional POS systems and associated transaction terminals, staff devices, and kitchen devices in retail stores rely heavily on LAN connections for their operation. When a failure occurs in a LAN network connection, these systems generally become inoperable, causing serious disruption to business operations and customer service. Current solutions either require manual intervention to establish an alternative communication path, or result in a complete shutdown of the system until network connectivity is restored. In addition, existing backup network solutions often require complex configuration procedures and technical expertise, which is impractical for many retail environments where immediate restoration of inter-device communication is essential for business continuity.

[0003] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that automatically establishes a failover network without requiring technical intervention when a LAN failure occurs, and automatically performs restoration to the primary LAN and data synchronization after the failure is recovered. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0004] To solve the above problems, a method according to one aspect of the present invention includes detecting a failure in a local area network (LAN) connection, configuring a primary POS terminal as a wireless hotspot in response to the detection of the failure, establishing an ad-hoc network using the wireless hotspot, enabling communication between the primary POS terminal and one or more devices via the ad-hoc network, monitoring the recovery of the LAN connection, detecting that the LAN connection has been restored, and, in response to the detection of the recovery of the LAN connection, restoring the primary POS terminal and the one or more devices to the LAN connection.

[0005] A method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a point-of-sale (POS) device receiving network configuration settings from a management interface, storing the network configuration settings to enable the establishment of a failover local area network (LAN), detecting that the primary LAN is unavailable or offline, establishing the failover LAN using the stored network configuration settings, supporting communication between the POS device and one or more devices via the failover LAN, and restoring communication via the primary LAN when the primary LAN is available or online.

[0006] A system according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises a primary POS terminal, the primary POS terminal includes a network interface, a processor, and a memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the processor, the primary POS terminal is instructed to detect a failure in the LAN connection, configure the network interface to operate as a wireless hotspot, establish an ad-hoc network using the wireless hotspot, enable communication with one or more devices via the ad-hoc network, monitor for the recovery of the LAN connection, and, when recovery is detected, restore the primary POS terminal and the one or more devices to the LAN connection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in the event of a LAN failure, the primary POS terminal is automatically configured as a wireless hotspot, and a failover network is established using pre-configured security authentication information, enabling seamless continuation of business operations without requiring technical intervention. Furthermore, when the primary LAN is restored, all devices are automatically restored and transaction data is synchronized, eliminating the need for manual verification procedures and maintaining data integrity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] A diagram shows a system for dynamic and adaptable local area network (LAN) management according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This invention illustrates a system-based LAN failover management mechanism in the event of a failure in the primary LAN, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shows a method for dynamic and adaptable LAN management in a retail environment. [Figure 3]A flowchart of another method for dynamic, adaptable LAN management in a retail environment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In a given retail environment (e.g., grocery stores, department stores, restaurants, hotels), a local area network (LAN) failure can have a significant impact on business operations, going beyond mere connectivity issues. A LAN failure can isolate POS systems and disrupt critical communication between customer service and the kitchen or service area. Orders cannot be sent, payment processing halts, and inventory management systems become inaccessible. Such disruptions lead to confusion among staff, service delays, and customer dissatisfaction. Restaurants face unique challenges, such as missed or duplicate orders and disruptions to service timing, when the connection between the kitchen display system and order terminals is lost.

[0010] Traditional backup solutions often require technical expertise that is not readily available in these service-oriented businesses. Manual workarounds, such as paper-based systems and standalone payment terminals, are inefficient and prone to errors. In addition, these temporary solutions present data reconciliation challenges, as transaction data must be manually entered into the primary system after network connectivity is restored. The lack of automated failover capabilities means that even short network outages can have long-term operational impacts.

[0011] The dynamic, adaptable local area network (LAN) management technologies disclosed herein address specific technical challenges associated with retail and restaurant environments that rely on network-connected POS systems. Specifically, these technical challenges include: (1) If a LAN connection failure occurs, critical business operations will be completely interrupted, and essential communication between customer service and the kitchen / service area will be disrupted. (2) Traditional backup network solutions require technically complex configuration procedures and expertise to implement, making them impractical for service-oriented businesses. (3) Lack of an automated failover function that can maintain secure inter-device communication without manual intervention.

[0012] Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein provide technical solutions to the technical challenges described above. Specifically, embodiments of the disclosed technology implement an automated network failover system in which a primary POS terminal dynamically switches to a wireless hotspot using pre-configured security settings, establishing an emergency LAN that maintains a secure communication path between all authorized devices. This constitutes the technical solution by: (1) Enable seamless business continuity through automated network failover functionality without requiring technical intervention. (2) Maintain security through a centrally managed configuration that is automatically deployed when the emergency network is activated. (3) Provide automatic recovery and data synchronization when the primary LAN connection is restored.

[0013] In one embodiment disclosed herein, the method and system enable seamless business continuity through an automated network failover function. In the event of a network failure, the primary POS terminal automatically switches to a wireless hotspot, establishing an emergency LAN. This transition is performed without requiring technical intervention from staff, enabling business continuity with minimal disruption.

[0014] In one embodiment disclosed herein, the method and system maintain security and configuration management through a central management interface. This interface allows information technology (IT) administrators to pre-configure network settings, security credentials, and device permissions that are automatically deployed when an emergency failover network is activated. The pre-configured settings ensure that all authorized devices, from handheld ordering tablets to kitchen display systems, can automatically join the failover network while maintaining appropriate security protocols.

[0015] In one embodiment disclosed herein, the method and system actively monitor the network status and manage the return to the primary LAN when connectivity is restored. This automated recovery process eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures that all connected devices cooperate to return to the primary LAN. Transaction data collected during the failure is automatically synchronized with a central system to maintain data integrity and eliminate the need for manual reconciliation procedures.

[0016] Figure 1A is a diagram of a system 100 for dynamic and adaptable LAN management according to an exemplary embodiment. Note that each component is shown schematically in a greatly simplified form, and only components relevant to understanding the embodiment are shown.

[0017] Furthermore, various components (identified in System 100) are illustrated, and the arrangement of these components is presented for illustrative purposes only. Note that other arrangements with more or fewer components are possible without departing from the teachings of the dynamically adaptable LAN management disclosed herein and below.

[0018] System 100 includes a cloud 110 or server, a primary POS terminal 120, one or more non-primary POS terminals 130, one or more staff devices 140, one or more kitchen devices 150, and a primary LAN 160. The cloud 110 includes at least one processor 111 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 112 (medium), wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 112 includes instructions for a management interface 113 and a management manager 114. When the instructions are executed by the processor 111, the processor 111 performs the operations described herein and below with respect to the management interface 113 and the management manager 114.

[0019] The primary POS terminal 120 includes at least one processor 121 and a medium 122, wherein the medium 122 includes instructions for a hotspot manager 123. When the instructions are executed by the processor 121, the processor 121 performs the operations described herein and below with respect to the hotspot manager 123.

[0020] Each non-primary POS terminal 130 includes at least one processor 131 and a medium 132, wherein the medium 132 includes instructions for a connection manager 133. When the instructions are executed by the processor 131, the processor 131 performs the operations described herein and below with respect to the connection manager 133.

[0021] Each staff device 140 includes at least one processor 141 and a medium 142, wherein the medium 142 includes instructions for a connection manager 143. When the instructions are executed by the processor 141, the processor 141 performs the operations described herein and below with respect to the connection manager 143.

[0022] Each kitchen device 150 includes at least one processor 151 and a medium 152, wherein the medium 152 contains instructions for a connection manager 153. When the instructions are executed by the processor 151, the processor 151 performs the operations described herein and below with respect to the connection manager 153.

[0023] LAN 160 provides network connectivity among the primary POS terminals 120, non-primary POS terminals 130, staff devices 140, and kitchen devices 150 within a retail environment or store environment. By this means, as an example, a staff member using a staff device 140 can initiate a customer order using POS terminal 120 or 130 in a restaurant, input customer order details, and transmit the order details to the kitchen device 150. When the kitchen completes preparation of the order, kitchen staff use the kitchen device 150 to notify the staff device 140 that the order is ready for pickup. The staff device 140 further interacts with POS terminal 120 or 130 to update the order, print a receipt for the customer's order, and / or receive payment from the customer for the order. Without LAN connectivity, a restaurant would require many additional manual tasks for staff to physically communicate with kitchen staff and operators of POS terminals 120 or 130, order details would have to be managed on paper, errors would occur more frequently, and customer wait times would increase.

[0024] The management interface 113 provides a configuration portal that allows an administrator to define network settings for failover operations. The administrator specifies, via the management interface 113, a service set identifier (SSID) and security authentication information (e.g., a WEP key) that the primary POS terminal 120 uses when establishing a wireless hotspot in the event of a LAN failure.

[0025] The management manager 114 distributes the configured network settings to various devices within the store environment. Specifically, the management manager 114 pushes the SSID and security authentication information to the respective connection managers (133, 143, and 153) for the non-primary POS terminal 130, staff devices 140, and kitchen devices 150. This ensures that all devices have the necessary configuration to automatically connect to the failover network when needed.

[0026] The hotspot manager 123 on the primary POS terminal 120 continuously monitors the connection status of the LAN 160. When a LAN failure is detected, the hotspot manager 123 activates the wireless network interface using the pre-configured network settings received from the management interface 113. The hotspot manager 123 broadcasts the configured SSID and manages the authentication of devices attempting to connect using the pre-configured security credentials.

[0027] The connection managers (133, 143, 153) on each device monitor the connectivity status of their own LAN160. When a loss of connectivity is detected, each connection manager automatically begins searching for the pre-configured SSID being broadcast by the primary POS terminal 120. Upon detecting the SSID, the connection manager authenticates its device using stored security credentials and enables connection to the failover network.

[0028] During failover, the hotspot manager 123 continuously tests connectivity to LAN160 periodically. Once connectivity to LAN160 is restored, the hotspot manager 123 begins to return to normal operation by disabling the wireless hotspot. The connection managers (133, 143, 153) detect this change and automatically reconnect their devices to the restored LAN160.

[0029] LAN160 functions as the primary network infrastructure connecting all store devices during normal operation. This enables secure communication between the primary POS terminal 120, non-primary POS terminals 130, staff devices 140, and kitchen devices 150, facilitating essential business operations such as order processing, payment processing, and kitchen coordination.

[0030] When LAN160 is unavailable or offline, the hotspot manager 123 broadcasts its pre-configured SSID as a failover wireless hotspot. The connection managers (133, 143, 153) detect that LAN160 is offline and automatically authenticate to the failover wireless hotspot using stored security credentials. Store operations continue uninterrupted through the failover network, and communication between POS terminals (120, 130), staff devices 140, and kitchen devices 150 is maintained. The hotspot manager 123 periodically tests the connectivity of LAN160 and disables the wireless hotspot when it detects that LAN160 is available and online. The connection managers (133, 143, 153) detect the loss of wireless hotspot connectivity and automatically revert to the restored LAN160, ensuring dynamic, adaptive, and continuous network connectivity within the store environment.

[0031] During failover, the primary POS terminal 120 maintains local storage of transaction data to prevent loss of business data. When system 100 returns to LAN 160, this locally stored transaction data is automatically synchronized with the cloud 110 associated with the store's POS system or the store server associated with the store's POS system. This ensures complete data continuity throughout the network failure and recovery process.

[0032] Figure 1B shows LAN failover management 100-1 by system 100 in the event of a failure in the primary LAN 160, according to an exemplary embodiment. The primary POS terminal 120 activates its wireless hotspot function to establish an ad-hoc network and maintains connectivity with the non-primary POS terminal 130, staff device 140, and kitchen device 150.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1B, when the primary POS terminal 120 detects a failure in the LAN 160, the processor 121 executes a command from the hotspot manager 123 to create a wireless hotspot. Non-primary POS terminals 130 automatically connect to this hotspot using pre-configured security authentication information stored in the medium 132, by having their respective processors 131 execute commands from the connection manager 133.

[0034] Similarly, the staff device 140 detects LAN failures and automatically establishes a connection to the wireless hotspot created by the primary POS terminal 120 by having its respective processor 141 execute instructions from the connection manager 143 stored in the medium 142. The connection manager 143 authenticates using pre-configured SSIDs and security authentication information distributed in advance by the management manager 114, establishing a secure connection to the failover network, thereby enabling seamless continuity of operations without manual intervention or configuration work by staff.

[0035] The ad-hoc network created in Figure 1B allows all connected devices to continue communicating even in the event of a LAN 160 failure. This enables the primary POS terminal 120 to maintain transaction processing capabilities with the non-primary POS terminal 130, staff devices 140, and kitchen devices 150, ensuring uninterrupted business operations during network failures.

[0036] Throughout the failover operation shown in Figure 1B, the primary POS terminal 120 continues to monitor the status of LAN 160. When connectivity is restored, system 100 coordinates the orderly return of all devices to the primary LAN 160, maintaining operational continuity throughout the network switching process.

[0037] The kitchen device 150 also detects LAN failures and automatically establishes a connection to a wireless hotspot by having each processor 151 execute instructions from the connection manager 153 stored in the medium 152. This ensures that order processing and communication with the kitchen continue to function during network failures, maintaining critical coordination between customer service and kitchen staff.

[0038] During the failover operation shown in Figure 1B, the primary POS terminal 120 maintains local storage of all transaction data. This includes order details, payment information, and communications with the kitchen, ensuring that no operational data is lost during network failures. When LAN 160 is restored, this locally stored data is automatically synchronized with Cloud 110, maintaining data consistency across the entire system.

[0039] The aforementioned dynamic and adaptable LAN management functionality enables continuous business operations through automated network failover and recovery processes. The following diagram illustrates a specific method for implementing these functions, specifically showing the actions performed by each component to detect failures, establish an emergency network, maintain operation, and restore normal connectivity.

[0040] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate specific methods for implementing the dynamic, adaptive LAN management functions described above. These methods embody the individual steps that various components of system 100 perform to detect network failures, establish failover networks, maintain business operations during failures, and restore normal operation when the primary network becomes available.

[0041] Figure 2 is a flowchart of Method 200 for dynamic, adaptable LAN management in a retail environment, according to an exemplary embodiment. The software module implementing Method 200 is referred to as the "LAN Failover Manager." The LAN Failover Manager is implemented as executable instructions programmed and resident in memory and / or non-temporary computer-readable (processor-readable) storage media and executed by one or more processors in one or more devices. The processors of the devices running the LAN Failover Manager are configured and programmed specifically for handling the LAN Failover Manager.

[0042] In one embodiment, the device running the LAN failover manager is the primary POS terminal 120. In one embodiment, the device running the LAN failover manager is a combination of the primary POS terminal 120, one or more non-primary POS terminals 130, one or more staff devices 140, and / or one or more kitchen devices 150. In one embodiment, the LAN failover manager is a combination of all or some of the hotspot manager 123, connection manager 133, connection manager 143, and / or connection manager 153.

[0043] In 210, the LAN failover manager detects a failure in the LAN connection or a lack of network connectivity for the LAN. In one embodiment, in 211, the LAN failover manager periodically checks the connection status of the LAN connection.

[0044] In 220, the LAN failover manager configures the primary POS terminal 120 as a wireless hotspot in response to a failure detected in 210. In one embodiment, in 221, the LAN failover manager activates the wireless network interface of the primary POS terminal 120 using a pre-configured network setting that includes the SSID and security authentication information previously received from the management interface 113. The network setting is stored locally on the primary POS terminal 120 to enable immediate failover functionality without requiring real-time communication with the management interface 113.

[0045] In step 230, the LAN failover manager establishes an ad-hoc network using a hotspot. In one embodiment, in step 231, the LAN failover manager broadcasts a pre-configured service set identifier (SSID).

[0046] In 240, the LAN failover manager enables communication between the primary POS terminal 120 and one or more devices (130, 140, 150) via an ad-hoc network. In one embodiment, in 241, the LAN failover manager authenticates one or more devices using pre-configured security authentication information. In one embodiment, in 242, the LAN failover manager maintains the transaction processing capability between the primary POS terminal 120 and one or more devices.

[0047] In 250, the LAN failover manager monitors the recovery of the LAN connection. In one embodiment, in 251, the LAN failover manager periodically tests the LAN connection at predetermined intervals.

[0048] At 260, the LAN failover manager detects that the LAN connection has been restored. At 270, in response to the restoration of the LAN connection at 260, the LAN failover manager restores the primary POS terminal 120 and one or more devices to the LAN connection. In one embodiment, at 271, the LAN failover manager disables the wireless hotspot and reconnects one or more devices to the LAN connection.

[0049] In one embodiment, in 280, the LAN failover manager receives configuration settings from the management interface 113. The LAN failover manager distributes or synchronizes the configuration settings to the primary POS terminal 120 and one or more devices (130, 140, 150).

[0050] In one embodiment, at 290, the LAN failover manager locally stores transaction data while the ad-hoc network is operating and synchronizes the locally stored transaction data with the remote server or cloud 110 after returning to the LAN connection. In one embodiment, at 295, the LAN failover manager records changes in network status between the LAN connection and the ad-hoc network.

[0051] Figure 3 is a flowchart of another method 300 for dynamic adaptability LAN management in a retail environment, according to an exemplary embodiment. The software module implementing method 300 is referred to as the "LAN Connection Manager." The LAN Connection Manager is implemented as executable instructions programmed and resident in memory and / or non-temporary computer-readable storage media and executed by one or more processors of the device. The processor executing the LAN Connection Manager is configured and programmed specifically for handling the LAN Connection Manager.

[0052] In one embodiment, the device running the LAN connection manager is the primary POS terminal 120. In one embodiment, the device running the LAN connection manager is a combination of the cloud 110, the primary POS terminal 120, one or more non-primary POS terminals 130, one or more staff devices 140, and / or one or more kitchen devices 150. In one embodiment, the LAN connection manager is a combination of all or part of the management interface 113, management manager 114, hotspot manager 123, connection manager 133, connection manager 143, connection manager 153, and / or method 200. The LAN connection manager presents a different and in some respects enhanced perspective of processing from that described above in method 200 of Figure 2.

[0053] In 310, the LAN connection manager receives network configuration settings from the management interface 113. In one embodiment, in 311, the LAN connection manager identifies the network configuration settings as a network identifier and security authentication information.

[0054] In step 320, the LAN connection manager saves the network configuration settings to enable the establishment of a failover LAN. In step 330, the LAN connection manager detects that the primary LAN is unavailable or offline. In step 340, the LAN connection manager establishes the failover LAN using the saved network configuration settings.

[0055] In 350, the LAN connection manager facilitates communication between the primary POS terminal 120 and one or more devices (130, 140, 150) over the failover LAN. In one embodiment, in 351, the LAN connection manager maintains a queue of transaction requests in local storage to ensure that transactions are not lost during a network failure. In one embodiment, in 352, the LAN connection manager routes orders between at least one customer service device (e.g., a non-primary POS terminal 130 or staff device 140) and at least one kitchen device 150 to maintain critical business operations during a network failure.

[0056] In 360, the LAN connection manager restores communication via the primary LAN if the primary LAN is available and online. In one embodiment, in 370, the LAN connection manager records changes in the network state between the primary LAN and the failover LAN.

[0057] In one embodiment, in 380, the LAN connection manager verifies device authentication information before allowing connection to the failover LAN. In one embodiment, in 390, the LAN connection manager maintains a backup of transaction data while the failover LAN is operating.

[0058] When software is described in a specific form (such as components or modules), this is merely to aid understanding and is not intended to limit how the software implementing those functions may be architectured or structured. For example, modules are illustrated as separate modules, but they may be implemented as uniform code, as individual components, as some (but not all) of these modules combined, or as software structured in any other convenient form.

[0059] Furthermore, although the software module is illustrated as running on a single piece of hardware, the software may be distributed across multiple processors or in any other convenient form.

[0060] The above description is illustrative and not limiting. By examining the above description, many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of each embodiment should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the entire scope of equivalents to be given thereto.

[0061] In the above description of the embodiments, various features are grouped into a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting that the above embodiments have more features than are explicitly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer features than all the features of the single disclosed embodiment combined. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated herein into the description of the embodiments, and each claim stands as an independent exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for managing a local area network (LAN), Detects a local area network connection failure, In response to the detection of the aforementioned fault, the primary POS terminal is configured as a wireless hotspot. An ad-hoc network is established using the aforementioned wireless hotspot. The ad-hoc network enables communication between the primary POS terminal and one or more devices. The recovery of the aforementioned LAN connection is monitored, Upon detecting that the aforementioned LAN connection has been restored, In response to detection of the restoration of the LAN connection, the primary POS terminal and one or more devices are restored to the LAN connection. A management method that includes the following.

2. A management method according to claim 1, The method for detecting the aforementioned failure includes periodically checking the connection status of the LAN connection.

3. A management method according to claim 1, A management method comprising configuring the primary POS terminal, which includes activating the wireless network interface of the primary POS terminal using pre-configured network settings.

4. A management method according to claim 1, Establishing the ad-hoc network includes a management method that broadcasts a pre-configured service set identifier (SSID).

5. A management method according to claim 1, A management method that enables the aforementioned communication, including authenticating one or more devices using pre-configured security authentication information.

6. A management method according to claim 1, A management method that enables the aforementioned communication, including maintaining the transaction processing capability between the primary POS terminal and the one or more devices.

7. A management method according to claim 1, The monitoring includes a management method that periodically tests the LAN connection at predetermined intervals.

8. A management method according to claim 1, The aforementioned restoration means, Disable the aforementioned wireless hotspot, Reconnect one or more of the above devices to the LAN connection. Management methods that include this.

9. A management method according to claim 1, Receive configuration settings from the management interface. The above configuration settings are distributed to the primary POS terminal and one or more devices. Management methods that include this.

10. A management method according to claim 1, During the operation of the aforementioned ad-hoc network, transaction data is stored locally, After restoring the LAN connection, the locally stored transaction data is synchronized with the remote server. Management methods that include this.

11. A management method according to claim 1, A management method further comprising recording changes in the network state between the LAN connection and the ad-hoc network.

12. A method for managing a local area network (LAN), The point-of-sale (POS) terminal receives network configuration settings from the management interface. To enable the establishment of a failover local area network (LAN), the aforementioned network configuration settings are saved. Detects that the primary LAN is unavailable or offline, The failover LAN is established using the saved network configuration settings. The failover LAN supports communication between the POS terminal and one or more devices. If the primary LAN is available or online, communication via the primary LAN is restored. A management method that includes the following.

13. A management method according to claim 12, The receiving includes a management method that identifies the network configuration settings as a network identifier and security authentication information.

14. A management method according to claim 12, Supporting the aforementioned communication includes management methods such as maintaining a queue of transaction requests.

15. A management method according to claim 12, Supporting the aforementioned communication includes a management method that routes orders between at least one customer service device and at least one kitchen device.

16. A management method according to claim 12, A management method that includes recording changes in the network state between the primary LAN and the failover LAN.

17. A management method according to claim 12, A management method that includes verifying device authentication information before allowing connection to the failover LAN.

18. A management method according to claim 12, A management method that includes maintaining a backup of transaction data while the failover LAN is in operation.

19. A management system for a local area network (LAN) equipped with a primary POS terminal, The aforementioned primary POS terminal is Network interface and Processor and Includes memory for storing instructions, When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, the primary POS terminal will receive the following instructions: To detect LAN connection failures, The aforementioned network interface is configured to operate as a wireless hotspot. An ad-hoc network is established using the aforementioned wireless hotspot. This enables communication with one or more devices via the ad-hoc network. The system monitors the recovery of the aforementioned LAN connection. When recovery is detected, the primary POS terminal and one or more devices are restored to the LAN connection. Management system.

20. A management system according to claim 19, The memory further stores network configuration settings received from the management interface. The aforementioned network configuration setting includes at least an SSID and security authentication information for establishing the ad-hoc network. Management system.

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