Removal of wired networking from buildings

[tyler.clair]

The stake technology specialist told me that the wireless networks were being updated and they were removing ability to use the wired ports. This is unfortunate because using wired connections for broadcasts are hands down more reliable than wireless, my conversation with him started because of issues with wireless. This goes against every recommendation I have had with regards to broadcasting both at church and in my profession. Does anyone have any clarification on this policy change? The only thing I can think of finding wired ports on a laptop is becoming a rarity.

[CalS201]

WE had similar concerns about this upgrade, which begins with 1300 bldgs in Utah. Here is the response we got back from a "lead" person for the upgrade.

Background
* In 2018 and 2019, new Meraki network devices were installed in every facility worldwide and will reach end of support in 2026 and 2027.
* The network equipment and cabling in many meetinghouses was not installed according to best practices, which creates an inconsistent member experience and makes it difficult to perform maintenance.
* The network infrastructure in most buildings does not fully support today’s desired level of digital access for gospel teaching.
* One of the most common complaints about our meetinghouses is about poor Wi-Fi coverage.
* When we go into each building to replace the aging Meraki devices, there is an opportunity to correct and improve the networks to enhance the member experience and network reliability.

Project Objectives
* Create standards for meetinghouse networks
* Wi-Fi devices, network devices and cabling types are uniform
* Minimum Wi-Fi signal strength throughout the building
* Well organized equipment spaces that meet code requirements
* Everything is clearly labeled and easily accessible
* Upgrade the networks in every meetinghouse worldwide in the next 4-5 years
* Wave 1 (2025): These first 1,300 buildings in Utah


FAQ:
"…a key objective of this initiative is to try to somewhat standardize the network setup in each building, e.g., install Cat6A cabling, patch panel, rack, the latest Meraki devices, and a network cable run to the rear of the chapel for a possible future camera.

Over the past 10+ years, the network setup in almost every building is different, and we want to change that. We want to ensure the best cabling (Cat6A) is used and is installed by certified Cat6A installers. In some buildings, the vendor may recommend relocating the network equipment/rack to a different place in the building to ensure it meets code and is not in a hot or dusty environment. And we want the equipment and cables to be clearly labeled and easy to work on for future vendors.

I’ve learned that some buildings are still using old computers and printers that are not Wi-Fi enabled. Now is a good time to upgrade that equipment, because the church is wanting Wi-Fi to be the standard connection type going forward (actually, I understand that it HAS been the standard for 5 years, but for whatever reason, some units are still using computers and printers that require ethernet).

Any work done by our network vendors in the coming weeks and months should not interfere with the AV equipment… we’re only updating the network equipment.”


“PoE Going away? The vendor will pull the old cabling and replace it with Cat6A, except for the cables connected to the clerks offices and printers… those cables will not be replaced. In fact, it’s possible that those cables will be pulled out, which effectively means that the computers and printers will need to run entirely on Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi has been the standard connection type in the buildings for around 5 years now. If the clerk computers and the printers in a building are still reliant on ethernet, now is a good time to update them with new devices that support Wi-Fi. Worst case, purchase a Wi-Fi antenna that can plug into the computer or printer.

Switch Going away? We will replace the switch with the latest approved Meraki model.

Update to new APs? We will replace all APs and add new APs. In most meetinghouses, the number of APs will approximately double. This should provide at least a -75 dBm Wi-Fi signal strength throughout the entire building.

New Firewalls? We will replace the firewall with the latest approved Meraki model. We will also add a patch panel and a rack, where needed. And we will run a network cable to the rear of the chapel for a possible future chapel camera, if one doesn’t already exist.

AP Placement moving? Yes, we will not simply replace APs… we are moving them to optimal places in the building to provide the minimum coverage. The church generated predictive heatmaps that show the vendor exactly where the APs should be installed. Additionally, the APs will be moved from the mezzanine to the ceiling, wherever possible.”



Hopefully this will answer some of your concerns.

[russellhltn]

I wonder if the networking department has factored in the clerk computers doing updates. Unless they're added to the NoSplash policy, they're not going to be able to update themselves when not in use. In addition, some locations shut down WiFi in the off hours to discourage leachers from hanging out in the parking lot when church is closed.

[lajackson]

In most of our meetinghouses, the distance from the pulpit to the nearest Wi-Fi access point (usually in the foyer) is so far away that Wi-Fi is nearly worthless for streaming or most other other uses. Having a wired port at the pulpit has saved many a leadership meeting.

It would be unwise for that capability to go away. And if it does, I am certain that our general authority visitors will provide specific feedback through their priesthood channels, and everyone will be unhappy.

[russellhltn]

It raises a question of how to stream things like stake conference. Even back at the pandemic, we had some that were having trouble streaming over WiFi and a wired connection fixed it.

In our case, the stake center has an AP in the rostrum, so signal strength is good.

[mdigi]

Agree, wireless is not a substitute for wired/fiber if you need the most reliable connection.
WiFi frequencies are limited and any interference, whether intentional or not, can have a massive negative impact on your connection throughout.

[sbradshaw]

I wonder if the networking department has factored in the clerk computers doing updates. Unless they're added to the NoSplash policy, they're not going to be able to update themselves when not in use.

Wouldn't clerk computers be on the Lehi network, which doesn't have the captive portal / splash screen?

[russellhltn]

Wouldn't clerk computers be on the Lehi network, which doesn't have the captive portal / splash screen?

That would be a pain. The Lehi network has to have it's password changed by the STS every 90 days or it's disabled.