Introduction

This document explains the network architecture, qualification requirements, and connectivity considerations for ChargePoint charging stations using Ethernet or Wi‑Fi connectivity.

For Ethernet deployments, the charging station connects to the customer's local area network (LANClosed Local Area Network) through a wired Ethernet connection. For Wi‑Fi deployments, the charging station connects to the customer's wireless network through a customer-provided access point. In both cases, the customer's network infrastructure provides internet connectivity between the charging station and ChargePoint Cloud Services.

Communications between the charging station and ChargePoint Cloud Services are established through secure, encrypted connections over the public internet. To ensure proper station operation, all required ChargePoint services and network endpoints must be reachable from the charging station through the customer's network infrastructure.

This guide is typically used in conjunction with other ChargePoint documentation available at ChargePoint Product Reference Documentation as follows:

  • Site Design Guide references this guide for physical infrastructure requirements.

  • Installation Guide references this guide for post-install configuration and debugging.

  • This guide has the network connectivity steps, can be referred for pre-install networking validation and post install debugging.

Disclaimer

ChargePoint does not permit the retrofit of Ethernet connectivity onto existing stations due to compatibility issues with the USBClosed Universal Serial Bus to Ethernet accessory. A site host is required to purchase new station hardware or seek extraordinary approval from ChargePoint if a retrofit is necessary.

Definitions

  • VPN: Virtual Private Network

  • Station: Refers to the CP6000 and Express Plus station.

  • VPN Server: Refers to the ChargePoint VPN Server.

  • VPN Client: Refers to the client running on the CP6000 and Express Plus station.

  • IP: Internet Protocol

  • DHCPClosed Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

  • SSIDClosed Set Service Identifier: Service Set Identifier

How to Use this Guide

This guide is intended for Site Designers, IT Administrators, and Installers involved in planning, qualifying, deploying, and activating ChargePoint stations using Ethernet or Wi‑Fi connectivity. The activities in this guide should be completed in the order shown below to ensure the site is properly qualified before installation begins.

Site Designer (Before Site Construction)

Use this guide during site planning and design to verify that the required network infrastructure can be supported at the installation location.

  • Review the Site Qualification Checklist to confirm that the proposed network environment meets ChargePoint requirements before construction begins.

  • For Ethernet deployments, review physical infrastructure requirements, including:

    • Ethernet cable specifications

    • Maximum cable run lengths

    • Conduit requirements

IT Administrator (Before Installation)

The IT Administrator is responsible for qualifying the network environment before installation and before any Ethernet or Wi‑Fi connectivity kit is ordered and verify the following:

  • DHCPClosed Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is enabled.

  • IPv4 connectivity is supported.

  • Required firewall ports and ChargePoint endpoints are accessible.

  • Network isolation requirements are met, if applicable.

  • Ethernet cabling meets the required specifications.

  • Appropriate frequency band selection (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).

  • SSIDClosed Set Service Identifier configuration meets ChargePoint requirements.

  • Supported wireless security settings are configured.

For Ethernet, the IT Admin should, but is not required to, complete the Ethernet Site Qualification Checklist, refer to Site Qualification Checklist and verify that the LANClosed Local Area Network connectivity is available at each charger location.

For Wi‑Fi, the IT Admin should, but is not required to, complete the Wi‑Fi Site Qualification Checklist, refer to Site Qualification Checklist and verify that the Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity connection can be established at each charger location and can meet minimal signal strength requirements.

After completing site qualification, perform the Pre-Install Checks, refer to Installation and Configuration, to validate network connectivity and readiness before installation is scheduled.

Installer (At Time of Installation)

Before installing or activating the charging station:

  • Verify that the charging station is running a supported firmware version, refer to Installation and Configuration.

  • Configure Ethernet or Wi‑Fi connectivity using the Installer app.

  • Validate connectivity and confirm successful communication with ChargePoint Cloud Services before station activation.

If network connectivity cannot be established or communication issues occur after installation, refer to Troubleshooting Ethernet and Wi-Fi Connectivity in this guide before proceeding with station activation.