On this page
01. Option 1: direct cable02. Set the PC's fixed IP03. Set the terminal's IP04. Option 2: through a switch or router05. Test and add the device06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
Plug the cable between the K40 Pro and the PC (or both into a switch), give each a fixed IP in the same range (for example 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.201 with mask 255.255.255.0), then add the device in the software on port 4370.
Key takeaways
- One Ethernet cable is enough for a direct link.
- Both ends need fixed IPs in the same range.
- Use a switch if you want the PC online at the same time.
- Test with ping before opening the software.
01Option 1: direct cable
Modern network ports adapt to straight or crossover cables, so a normal patch cable usually works. Connect it from the K40 Pro to the PC's Ethernet port.
02Set the PC's fixed IP
- Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections.
- Right-click Ethernet > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties.
- Choose Use the following IP address.
- Enter IP 192.168.1.10 and mask 255.255.255.0, leave gateway blank for a direct link, and click OK.
03Set the terminal's IP
On the K40 Pro go to Menu > Comm. > Ethernet and set IP 192.168.1.201, mask 255.255.255.0. Full steps are in the IP guide.
04Option 2: through a switch or router
This is better for most offices: the PC keeps internet, and you can add more terminals later. Plug both into the same switch, use addresses in the router's range, and reserve the terminal's address so it never changes.
05Test and add the device
- Run
ping 192.168.1.201from the PC. - If it replies, open the software and add the device with TCP/IP and port 4370. See add the device.
- If it does not, check the cable lights on the terminal and PC, and the IP settings on both ends.
06A typical scenario
A small Thika shop had no router. The owner plugged a patch cable between the PC and the K40 Pro, set the PC to 192.168.1.10 and the terminal to 192.168.1.201, and the software connected. Later they added a switch and a router and kept the same addresses.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- Leaving the PC on automatic IP in a direct connection.
- Setting a gateway on a direct link and confusing Windows.
- Using a damaged or very long patch cable.
- Forgetting that the PC loses internet when its only port is used for the terminal.
- Setting the same IP on both ends.
08Quick checklist
- Patch cable seated at both ends
- Link lights lit
- PC fixed IP set
- Terminal IP in the same range
- Ping reply received
- Device added with TCP/IP and port 4370
09Frequently asked questions
Do I need a crossover cable?
Usually no. Most modern PC network ports detect the cable type automatically.
Can the PC use Wi-Fi for internet while connected to the terminal by cable?
Yes. Windows can keep Wi-Fi for internet and use the Ethernet port for the terminal, as long as the two networks use different ranges.
Can I use a USB flash drive instead?
Yes, as a backup method. See USB download.
How far can the terminal be from the PC?
Up to 100 metres of Ethernet cable per run, or further through switches.
This guide is part of our ZKTeco K40 and ZKBio Time.Net series. For the full start-to-finish walkthrough with screenshots, read How to Configure a ZKTeco K40 Pro with ZKBio Time.Net.
ZKTeco and ZKBio are trademarks of ZKTeco Inc. Menu names on the K40 Pro and in the software vary slightly by firmware and software version; where yours differ, look for the nearest match. Qyvea is a ZKTeco reseller and installer in Kenya.
