When Ethernet communication is not available, the base to which the terminal is registered will attempt to use dial communication as backup. After a transaction is performed on a terminal/base using dial as backup, the base will attempt to use Ethernet communication for the next transaction.
To allow the communications base to use dial backup, a dial cable must be connected to the communications base, and the appropriate dial parameters (e.g., the dial prefix) may have to be configured.
When the base uses dial backup, the message ETHERNET COMMS ERROR-DIAL USED PRESS OK appears on the terminal. Press the key to acknowledge the message and return to the READY screen. The base will revert to Ethernet communication for the next transaction.