Bad Wi-Fi in your Kitchen? A Tablet-Based Solution

The M8 nP2UE enclosure, with its built-in LAVA SimulCharge adapter provides the Lenovo Tab M8 HD (ZA5G0060US or TB-8505F) with increased functionality, making it ideal for various implementations. The enclosure’s compact size, mounting capabilities and built-in SimulCharge technology make it ideal for use in compact spaces as those found in kitchens and other restaurant settings.

The M8 nP2UE Enclosure is a custom LAVA enclosure for the Lenovo Tab M8 HD (sold separately) that features an integrated nLTS-P2UE adapter that provides simultaneous tablet charging and access to data (SimulCharge). The built-in adapter provides the tablet with Power over Ethernet (PoE), Ethernet and two USB-A ports for attaching peripherals. The Tab M8 HD is a low-cost tablet that features an eight-inch display, which provides a decent resolution (1,280×800) for everyday use, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage.

Restaurants are high pressure fast-paced environments and the need for good and precise communication is paramount. This not only goes for staff members but also to the technology that they work and interface with, tablets and order systems being no exception. Unfortunately given the large quantities of metal found in kitchens, from pots and pans to the stainless steel appliances, over the air signals such as Wi-Fi may suffer. This can cause online food orders to be lost or delayed as the Wi-Fi signal comes in and out.

The nP2UE’s wired Ethernet helps keep the Tab M8 connected to the network. This ensures online orders are received in a timely fashion and not half an hour after the fact due to a weak Wi-Fi signal. An added benefit of the enclosure is the built in adapter’s two USB-A ports, which allow the customer to add peripherals, such as a receipt printer and scanner, to further streamline order entry and management.

If the restaurant has the capability, the enclosure can also be powered via PoE, which provides data over the same Ethernet cable. This allows for more flexibility concerning where to put the enclosure.  Not only does the nP2UE not need to be near an electrical outlet but it can be placed up to 328 ft (100 m) from the network junction. Even in a larger restaurant kitchen, you would likely have the freedom to place it almost anywhere in the room. If the restaurant does not have a PoE-capable switch, you can plug it into the wall using a standard 5V connector.

The M8 nP2UE enclosure and Lenovo tablet can help staff in a restaurant kitchen keep track of orders from the front of the restaurant. It takes up less space than a separate tablet and adapter would and it comes with the standard VESA mounting holes so you can even affix it to the wall to save additional space. In a restaurant kitchen application, the M8 nP2UE with Lenovo Tab M8 HD can keep track of food orders and print receipts. Wired Ethernet provides a reliable network connection to ensure online orders are captured as they come in. Combined with PoE, the enclosure’s compactness and mountable chassis allow it to be placed almost anywhere in the kitchen.