Cloud Controller with MESH network

[cperona]

We have successfully deployed a simple internet wireless solution in our chapel that did not require home-runs to APs and no on-site controller.

We used the Meraki APs over their self-healing mesh network (it's nice when halls get crowded with people and the networks normalize automatically with changes in the environment).

With four Meraki wireless APs attached to a smart Router we were up an running. We powered the APs using the Always-On emergency lighting system power therefore avoiding individual costs for power to each AP. This also let us have greater placement flexibility.

We used their free WiFi Stumbler to setup the best locations for the APs.

We manage and control the networks (multiple networks are allowed for Clerk's office vs membership usage - also each has bandwidth and access controls plus privacy and security controls).

It's nice to monitor the system from the internet rather than having to run over to the chapel -- intact we got a power down alert one night and investigation showed that someone had stolen our power meter from outside the building for its copper value. We got on it right away -- would have normally take us several days to figure out that the power was down in the building.

Nice thing about the Meraki system is that it is so easy, so inexpensive (each AP was about $120 retail -- plug-n-play system works great!) And it does not require a networking expert or even a real techie to install and manage the system... nice for delegation purposes.

If you want to know more about the Meraki system (I had used it in my home for a year or two before donating a couple of the APs to the Chapel system) go to their site at:
http://meraki.com/

[russellhltn]

We powered the APs using the Always-On emergency lighting system power therefore avoiding individual costs for power to each AP.

Hopefully that was done by a licensed electrician as I imagine there are strict rules on what can be placed on such a circuit.

[jdlessley]

After reading the data sheets for the system described I don't see how you are able to manage the network from an Internet site (a Meraki site of course) with a Church provided firewall between the router and the Internet. How is the network setup in the meetinghouse? Could you provide some detail? Specifically how were you able to accomplish the Meraki firewall settings of the cloud managed router as described here?:

If your Cloud-Managed Router will be placed behind a firewall, you will need to allow outgoing connections on particular ports to particular IP addresses. The most current list of outbound ports and IP addresses can be found here:
[tiny url provided by Meraki to a Meraki server]

The configuration of the Church provided firewall is not accessible locally. It is managed at CHQ. How did you get around that?

[cperona]

Oh yes -- fully licensed electrician -- also doubles as a ward mission leader on nights and weekends...

[jdlessley]

We powered the APs using the Always-On emergency lighting system power therefore avoiding individual costs for power to each AP.

Hopefully that was done by a licensed electrician as I imagine there are strict rules on what can be placed on such a circuit.

Oh yes -- fully licensed electrician -- also doubles as a ward mission leader on nights and weekends...

And of course this was approved by the local FM Group?