Need guidance for a modest church?
Need guidance for a modest church?
Hello everyone, I'm attempting to modernize our historic church by installing WiFi across its premises. The structure spans three levels and requires targeted coverage in the sanctuary, classrooms, and theater room. I'm avoiding hiring an IT firm due to budget constraints; instead, I'm handling the setup myself to save costs on hardware and wiring. My experience with business networking over a decade gives me a basic understanding of what's needed, but I'm feeling uncertain. I'll need WAP devices for coverage and a switch/router to connect them. Could anyone share advice, recommended parts, systems, or resources that would assist me in planning this project? Thank you all for your time.
Ubiquiti equipment works perfectly here. You can even connect them without cables, forming a mesh network. Just install three AP AC LR access points and a switch, and you're ready to go once configured. A cloud key is suggested if you don’t have a computer running the controller software.
Great! Thank you for your kind words. This will be very helpful.
UBNT equipment from Ubiquiti is highly recommended. For beginners, Lawrence Systems & Crosstalk Solutions offers many instructional videos about their products. Check out their channels for great content!
Here’s a clearer version of your notes:
Initial points to check:
1. Does the church already have an internet plan?
2. If available, is it sufficient for the expected number of Wi-Fi devices?
3. What type of connection does it use—DSL, cable, fiber?—and what speed does it offer? What model modem is there?
Options:
- Do you own a combined modem/router, or is the router separate? If yes, what’s its brand and model?
Recommended setup:
1. Use a modem (possibly with built-in router).
2. Connect a Gigabit network switch—unmanaged is okay unless you need advanced features like VLANs.
3. Install a Gigabit PoE network switch for flexibility.
4. Run Cat 6 Ethernet cables from the switch to each area needing a WAP (Wireless Access Point). One WAP usually covers a room, possibly several adjacent rooms. For larger spaces, consider multiple WAPs.
Place the WAPs at the end of the cable. This avoids needing power outlets close to each device or requiring power injectors. PoE simplifies installation and placement.
Decisions:
- Consumer-grade vs. enterprise WAPs mainly affect cost.
- Example setup (US prices):
- Modem: ISP-provided
- Router: Ubiquiti Edgerouter Lite – $100
- WAPs: Unifi AP AC Lite – $80 each
- WAPs for large rooms: Unifi AP AC LR – $100 each
- PoE Switch: Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 8 – $200
- Total: Around $580 plus setup costs
Optional additions:
- Unifi Cloud Key for centralized management – adds about $100.
- Extra Cat6 cabling – around $130.
Final tips:
- Confirm cable length and compliance with local regulations.
- You can save by using consumer routers with mesh tech, but service quality may be lower.
Let me know if you need help picking specific models or calculating costs further!
Yes, if he gets PoE, he can simply install a WAP in each room and connect it to the PoE directly.
Wow! Thank you for the thorough details. I’ll assess the current setup and identify where WiFi would be most beneficial. The sanctuary already offers strong coverage, but the rest of the church will need evaluation to determine the best locations. Appreciate your time and insights!
If he obtains a PoE switch, he can place the WAP there and receive power via the Ethernet cable. The main consideration is ensuring both the Switch and the WAP adhere to the identical PoE standards. Not all PoE switches support every type of power delivery.