Wireless networking in buildings - is there policy/guidelines?

[ericb]

There has been some discussion recently regarding the connection of clerk office computers in our Stake Center to the existing Family History Center's network -- it has a broadband connection to the internet. The purpose is to expedite the ever-increasing time involved with MLS send/receives. Is there official church policy and/or guidelines regarding the use of wireless networking in the buildings? With the proper security in place, it seems like it would be a much more efficient use of money than running wiring throughout the building.

Feedback from those with an official take on this is appreciated!

[jay.askren]

I believe FM is responsible for setting up the clerk computers so they can connect to the wireless. I believe you should have your stake clerk who deals with computer issues contact FM to get the computers connected to the wireless. Unfortunately, I don't think that will solve the problem you are asking about though. I called Tech support at church headquarters about a month ago and they told me that they were working on getting MLS to send/receive over the internet instead of the phone line, but it's not there yet. They didn't give me a ETA, but I'm guessing it may be awhile. Maybe someone else here has more info on this.

Jay

[russellhltn]

If you've installed Desktop 5.5 on the admin computers, then you MAY connect them to an existing church network. (I'm assuming your FHC is a valid church network with a Cisco PIX box acting as filter. I say "assume" because I've seen some that are not.) Desktop 5.5 was a set of CDs that came out in the last few months that was a Image (as in wipe your drive) that loaded a new setup.

I'd give the clerk support line a call for guidance. My understanding is that FM only has to get involved if you're going to be knocking holes in the walls to run the wires. (I'll take wired over wireless any day.) Wireless is an option if the church has installed it's official wireless setup. (again assuming that someone hasn't done "their own thing".) It's possible that you'd need to buy/order the equipment though FM, so that's why I suggest calling for guidance.

[russellhltn]

I called Tech support at church headquarters about a month ago and they told me that they were working on getting MLS to send/receive over the internet instead of the phone line, but it's not there yet.

AFAIK, the current hang-up is cost justifying installing broadband into buildings that don't currently have a church network. If you've got a church network in the building (for a FHC, Institute or church employee office) then it's just a matter of getting you connected. I'm not sure if all the ins and outs on the last part are all smoothed out, but it's in the do-able phase.

[mkmurray]

AFAIK

What's AFAIK?

[scion-p40]

What's AFAIK?

as far as I know

[WelchTC]

There has been some discussion recently regarding the connection of clerk office computers in our Stake Center to the existing Family History Center's network -- it has a broadband connection to the internet. The purpose is to expedite the ever-increasing time involved with MLS send/receives. Is there official church policy and/or guidelines regarding the use of wireless networking in the buildings? With the proper security in place, it seems like it would be a much more efficient use of money than running wiring throughout the building.

Feedback from those with an official take on this is appreciated!

This won't answer your question exactly but read this Q&A:

Tom

[childsdj]

If you've installed Desktop 5.5 on the admin computers, then you MAY connect them to an existing church network. (I'm assuming your FHC is a valid church network with a Cisco PIX box acting as filter. I say "assume" because I've seen some that are not.) Desktop 5.5 was a set of CDs that came out in the last few months that was a Image (as in wipe your drive) that loaded a new setup.

I'd give the clerk support line a call for guidance. My understanding is that FM only has to get involved if you're going to be knocking holes in the walls to run the wires. (I'll take wired over wireless any day.) Wireless is an option if the church has installed it's official wireless setup. (again assuming that someone hasn't done "their own thing".) It's possible that you'd need to buy/order the equipment though FM, so that's why I suggest calling for guidance.

This is correct. If your building currently has a Church approved Internet currently (generally a Family History Center in the building) then you can have your Stake Technology Specialist connect via wireless to it if the stake will purchase the wireless cards. You do need to have desktop 5.5 installed as this provides some a/v protection and a software firewall. MLS should transmit over the Internet with no problem. This will only work with currently installed Internet and it is important that you keep your FM tucked in.

[russellhltn]

you can have your Stake Technology Specialist connect via wireless to it if the stake will purchase the wireless cards.

Just to clarify, the wireless network needs to be an approved network, not something you buy at a local computer store. (The cards for the computers might be obtained that way, but I think the AP as well as the wireless client has to be official.) The stake will need to fund the install.

[childsdj]

Just to clarify, the wireless network needs to be an approved network, not something you buy at a local computer store. (The cards for the computers might be obtained that way, but I think the AP as well as the wireless client has to be official.) The stake will need to fund the install.

That is exactly right.