Connectivity

A reliable network connection is required before installers can activate the charging station. ChargePoint stations support three connectivity options, allowing site hosts to select the best solution for their installation environment:

  • Cellular (Default): Every ChargePoint station includes a built-in cellular connection. Cellular connectivity does not require any customer-provided network infrastructure.

  • Ethernet: A wired LANClosed Local Area Network connection can be established using a USBClosed Universal Serial Bus to Ethernet module. Ethernet requires customer-provided network infrastructure, including cabling and network equipment. Ethernet is recommended for underground parking structures, enclosed facilities, or other locations where cellular signal strength is weak or unreliable.

  • Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity: A wireless LANClosed Local Area Network connection can be used when customer-provided Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity infrastructure is available. Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity is a practical alternative in situations where installing Ethernet cabling is not feasible.

Regardless of the connectivity method used, a stable and reliable connection is essential for proper charging station operation. Weak, intermittent, or unreliable connectivity can affect critical station functions, including:

  • Accuracy of station status and usage reporting

  • Driver access to mobile app features

  • Customer Support's ability to remotely diagnose and troubleshoot issues

  • Advanced features such as Power Management and Waitlist

ChargePoint stations communicate with ChargePoint Cloud Services through the configured network connection, enabling secure, PCI-compliant data communications for station management, monitoring, reporting, and driver services.

ChargePoint does not provide networking infrastructure for Ethernet or Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity deployments. The site host is responsible for providing, configuring, securing, and maintaining all required network equipment and services, including switches, routers, wireless access points, cabling, internet connectivity, and any associated network management.
For Ethernet and Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity network qualification requirements, configuration procedures, firewall and port requirements, and troubleshooting guidance, refer to the Network Readiness Guide available at ChargePoint Product Reference Documentation.

Cellular Signal Strength and Quality

You must use a cellular signal detection device (such as a Siretta Snyper LTEClosed Long Term Evolution or equivalent) to take signal strength readings at the exact proposed mounting location of the charging station. If the charging station does not have its own cellular connection, take the signal strength reading at the proposed mounting location of the gateway station.

In North America, ChargePoint products all support LTEClosed Long Term Evolution bands 2, 4, and 5. The most commonly supported carriers to check during site evaluation are:

  • US: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon

  • Canada: Rogers, Telus, and Bell

You must test the LTEClosed Long Term Evolution signal strength at the proposed mounting location of every station and ensure the location meets the minimum RSRQ at -12.5 dB or better, for RSRP measured at -90 dBm or better. Refer to the graph for acceptable combinations.

Cellular signal strength is measured in dBm, a logarithmic unit expressed as a negative number. Because dBm values are negative, a value closer to zero indicates a stronger signal. For example, -70 dBm represents a stronger signal than -85 dBm, while -90 dBm indicates a weaker signal than both.

Technical illustration depicts the procedural step.

If the signal strength is weaker than this, take cellular readings at the location where any cellular signal booster antennas will be installed. Ensure enough signal exists for that repeater model. Install repeaters to boost the strength of the cellular signals. Repeaters are often required when installing charging stations in an underground garage or enclosed parking structure.

Labeled diagram of product, tools or parts.

Labeled diagram of product, tools or parts.

For other regions, or if the site does not have strong signal on these bands, contact your ChargePoint representative for additional solutions.

ChargePoint strongly recommends a consultation with a cellular connectivity specialist before all installations. A consultation can verify:

  • Service with a supported carrier on a supported LTEClosed Long Term Evolution band

  • Available signal and local noise levels on applicable bands

  • Site changes to correctly meet your needs, both for station bandwidth and other phone coverage for customer or tenant satisfaction

Repeaters

Some sites require repeaters to ensure strong signal to all stations. If a repeater is required, look for a model with these features:

  • Specifically LTEClosed Long Term Evolution-compatible on the listed bands

  • Multi-carrier

  • Multi-band

  • Not already dedicated to FirstNet or other first responder-specific networks

  • Auto-gain recommended

Do not rely on readings taken with a cell phone when conducting site surveys. Many signal boosters and network extenders may not be compatible with ChargePoint hardware, including certain types of Distributed Antenna Systems (DASClosed Distributed Antenna System), micro/nano/pico/femto-cells, and carrier- or band-specific signal boosters.

Repeaters are not allowed in France. Contact the French service provider for more information.

Wi-Fi Design Requirements

Signal Strength

Verify Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity signal strength at the proposed mounting location of each charging station before installation. Perform measurements at the actual charger mounting location, not at a desk, building entrance, or other location.

  • Minimum required signal strength: –65 dBm or stronger at the charger mounting location.

  • Use a Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity analyzer or site survey tool to measure signal strength.

  • Do not use signal bars displayed on a mobile device, as they do not provide an accurate indication of signal quality.

  • If signal strength is below –65 dBm at any charging station location, improve coverage by repositioning existing access points or installing additional access points before proceeding with the installation.

Access Point Placement

Position access points to provide adequate Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity coverage at each charging station mounting location.

  • For outdoor installations, use outdoor-rated access points or install access points in weatherproof enclosures.

  • For underground parking garages or enclosed parking structures, install access points within the structure. Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity signals originating outside the structure may not provide adequate coverage.

Band Selection

ChargePoint charging stations support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity networks.

  • Use 2.4 GHz where walls, pillars, long distances, or other physical obstacles may reduce signal strength.

  • Use 5 GHz where higher throughput is required and adequate signal coverage can be maintained.

Select the frequency band that provides the most reliable connectivity at the charging station location.

Network Configuration

ChargePoint recommends using a isolated network segment for charging stations.

  • Configure a dedicated SSIDClosed Set Service Identifier or a VLAN that is separated from corporate, guest, or public network traffic. This limits exposure of the charging station to other network devices and reduces the risk of management policies (proxy, captive portal, MACClosed Message Authentication Code filtering) blocking connectivity.

  • Ensure that the SSIDClosed Set Service Identifier is broadcast and not configured as a hidden network.

Interference Considerations

Evaluate the installation environment for potential sources of wireless interference before finalizing access point locations.

  • Common sources of 2.4 GHz interference include nearby Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity networks, Bluetooth devices, microwave equipment, and industrial wireless systems.

  • In dense deployment environments or multi-tenant facilities, channel congestion on 2.4 GHz may affect performance.

  • When interference or congestion is present, consider using the 5 GHz band or assigning non-overlapping channels in coordination with the customer's IT team.

Network Qualification

Before deploying a Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity connectivity solution, the customer's IT administrator must complete the Wi-FiClosed Wireless Fidelity Site Qualification Checklist provided in the Network Readiness Guide available at ChargePoint Product Reference Documentation.

Ethernet Requirements

  • ChargePoint recommends using a isolated network segment for charging stations. Configure a dedicated switch port on a segmented VLAN or a network segment separate from corporate, guest, or public network traffic. This limits exposure of the charging station to other network devices and reduces the risk of management policies (proxy, captive portal, MACClosed Message Authentication Code filtering) blocking connectivity.

  • For Ethernet communications to an external network connection:

    • Outdoor rated Cat 6 and above cables (Cat 6a, Cat 7, Cat 7a, Cat 8) must be used for runs less than 100m (300 feet). Runs between 100m and 200m may use an extended-reach cable such as the PAIGE OSP Shielded cable, but this is done at the customer's own risk and is not a ChargePoint-qualified configuration. Runs over 200m are not permitted.

  • The cable shield must be grounded.

  • Review the Network Readiness Guide available at ChargePoint Product Reference Documentation for all network qualification and configuration requirements.