In the world of payment software testing, complexity is often the biggest bottleneck. Managing multiple hardware components, configuring connectivity, maintaining security protocols, and ensuring everything integrates seamlessly with the software stack—each of these moving parts can create inefficiencies and risk.
Enter PaytestCore: a pre-assembled, plug-and-play solution designed to eliminate traditional installation headaches by bringing all essential components into one unified unit. This post breaks down the internal architecture of PaytestCore and explores how each element plays a critical role in transforming fragmented testing setups into a streamlined, scalable, and remotely managed environment.
The PaytestCore Architecture: What’s Inside?
At its foundation, PaytestCore is built for a smooth out of the box experience . Here’s what comes under the hood:
Computer
The embedded computer acts as the central processing unit of PaytestCore. It runs the PaytestAPI, manages communication with test devices, and enables execution of test scripts via PaytestHub.
Industrial-Grade Firewall
Connectivity is crucial in any distributed testing environment. The router inside PaytestCore handles secure LAN and WAN traffic, supporting both wired and wireless networking. In additon, it comes with a firewall securing the PaytestCore and it’s component from outside attacks
Integrated Power Plug
Power distribution is simplified through a unified power plug. This eliminates the need for multiple adapters and extension units—providing stable and centralized power delivery to all integrated components and connected hardware.
Built-in Network Switch
A multi-port Ethernet switch within PaytestCore allows local connectivity for terminals, probes, robots, and other test peripherals. This internal switch is not just a passive hub—it’s actively manageable via PaytestHub, enabling advanced scenarios such as port disabling to simulate offline transaction flows.
USB Hub
To interface with external components like card readers, probes, or other peripherals, PaytestCore can be upgraded with an additional high-capacity USB hub. Each port is mapped and managed, simplifying configuration and preventing port conflicts that commonly arise in manual setups.
Zero-Day Trust Security Stack
PaytestCore is equipped with a hardened software security layer that governs authentication, encrypted data transfer, and safe remote operation. This ensures testing environments maintain integrity—even when distributed across locations and accessed by multiple teams.
Remote Support and access
PaytestCore enables remote access to your computer and therefore improves the support functionality of your environment. Firmware updates can be pushed remotely, the health of the environment can be monitored and if need be equipment rebooted from afar.
Why This Matters: Technical Impact of Integration
By combining these elements into one pre-assembled platform, PaytestCore eliminates the following common pain points:
- All devices and user must go through Zero Day Trust
- Network ports and IP’s are preconfigured out of the box
- Inconsistent hardware-software integration
- Limited visibility and control over remote setups
- Lack of agility when scaling across multiple test environments
The result is a highly standardized, repeatable, and efficient payment testing setup that can be rolled out quickly across teams or clients.
Designed for Compatibility
PaytestCore doesn’t operate in isolation. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the full PaytestLab ecosystem:
- PaytestRobot for automated PIN entry and card interactions
- PaytestProbe for physical card simulation across EMV chip, contactless, and magstripe interfaces
- PaytestMuxfor multiplexing communication across multiple test terminals and coordinating test case execution
- PaytestECRfor interfacing with Electronic Cash Registers in end-to-end testing scenarios
- Third-party tools via standardized network and USB integration
PaytestCore exemplifies what happens when hardware and software integration is treated as a first-class priority. By consolidating essential components into a single, robust platform, it gives QA engineers, developers, and testers the infrastructure needed to focus on what matters: validating payment software quickly, accurately, and reliably.
