Sunday, September 19, 2021

Church - Recommendation to overhaul network

Hello all,

I'm looking to upgrade my church to the modern era. Right now, we're using the router/modem combo that is rented via Spectrum. I'm going to try and get us away from that by utilizing a network closet with centralized patch panel, several Ethernet runs, APs in general areas, plus running VLANs to separate traffic (i.e., staff, guest, video/sound).

My church isn't the biggest, but I think 3 APs will cover it.

  • 1 for sanctuary/foyer
  • 1 for the classroom wing
  • 1 for the basement

Our speeds aren't the best at the moment. I think we're on the base Spectrum business, and we'll ideally want to up that when we start streaming.

I'm thinking we'll have at least 5-6 wired devices at this point with expansion possible in the future, so I'd like to go with a 16-port PoE capable switch. UDM or UDM-Pro might be the best option for the router/FW. I'm not sure on the APs though.

Then again.... I could be mistaken on all of this. I'll be the one managing the network for the foreseeable future, and I know Ubiquiti is basically the Meraki of the small/pro-sumer market which works for me.

As for the Ethernet runs... I'm planning on doing the following:

  • 4 - Sanctuary ceiling
    • (AP, camera - potentially SDI over ethernet, two projectors - projectors to eventually connect via HDMI over Ethernet to PC utilizing 2 of the ports in the sound room below)
  • 8 - Sound Room
    • (2 PCs, 2 snakes from sound board to sound room, any other device that may need connected in there)
  • 1 - Basement ceiling (1 AP)
  • 1 - Hallway ceiling (1 AP)
  • 4 (or 8) - Pastor/Secretary office (PCs + Printer)
  • 4 - Rack of audio equipment
    • (Some of those jacks will be used to connect from front of house with the soundboard to the sound room, so we can stretch audio back to there and have several XLR inputs in the sound room.)

I'm not sure what else I'm missing at this point, but I'm trying to plan for the future with expansions and all that. Any recommendations or words of advice/criticism will be incredibly beneficial. To be honest, I'm not sure on the budget, but the lower the better since we're a smaller church.



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