Answers about Meetinghouse wireless Internet

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Where should I install the wireless access point in the building?

The location of the wireless access point(s) will vary by building configuration. The building materials and local usage affect the design of your building's wireless network.

For example, in some meetinghouses a wireless device installed in the clerk's office or technology closet may provide all the wireless coverage needed in the building. In other meetinghouses, additional cabling may be required to allow installation of the wireless devices in the two side foyer lobbies and just inside the rear doors of the meetinghouse. Stakes should conduct their own local assessment of wireless coverage and consult with local FMs before major installation efforts.

How should a meetinghouse wireless device be configured?

The wireless device should be set up by the Stake Technology Specialist (STS) or another individual designated by local leaders. The STS should manage the SSID (broadcasted channel name) and WPA2 pre-shared key setup.

When and where possible, it would be ideal to set up the wireless access point in bridge mode so that the meetinghouse firewall controls all of the routing with wireless computers istead of the wireless access point itself.

Our meetinghouse is a shared facility with another Church office (FM, Family History Center, etc). Should we install the LDS Workforce wireless option or the meetinghouse wireless option?

When Church employees regularly work at the co-located facility, the LDS Workforce Wireless option should be implemented. When the co-located facility is a volunteer center (such as a family history center), then either the LDS Workforce Wireless option or the Meetinghouse Wireless option may be used.

Where can I get a wireless access point to install in our meetinghouse?

If setting up the LDS Workforce Wireless option, the Cisco 1131G (the approved centrally managed wireless device) can be purchased online or through a local Cisco vendor. If setting up the Meetinghouse Wireless option, you can purchase a device online or from a local retailer. The wireless access point you purchase should meet the specific requirements of your chapel and must support WPA2, or at the very least, WPA encryption capability.

How do I troubleshoot a wireless connection problem?

In order to get the Internet on a wireless device, there are several elements that need to be functioning properly. If any of the following are not, then you might have problems with your wireless connection: The ISP connection, the firewall, the access point, your computer/device, and the cabling between them. The best way to figure out what the problem is to figure out what is working correctly. If you can systematically figure out what isn't causing the problem, it will point you towards what is causing it.

For example, if I find that the Internet is not working on my laptop computer connecting to the meetinghouse wireless, one thing I could do is check to see if others are able to connect. If all of the other computers can connect, that means the problem is likely with just my computer and I should focus my troubleshooting on my wireless card and software. However, if other computers cannot connect to the Internet over wireless, there is likely something more systemic and I can continue testing elements until I figure out where the problem is and act accordingly.

Additionally, as a good first step, it never hurts to quickly power cycle (reboot) any device that you have access to within this chain. With modems, firewalls, and access points simply unplug the device for 30-60 seconds and then plug it back in. Experience has shown that many hours of time and effort can be saved if you try this technique first.

How can I tell whether the wireless access point has failed or if it is an issue with the firewall?

You can connect a laptop or computer directly into one of the open ports on the back of the firewall. If the laptop or computer has network access and your wireless access point does not, the issue is with your wireless access point or the connection leading to it. You can also request that the GSD ping or telnet your firewall to verify that it is up and running properly. If it is, this indicates that the issue is likely with your wireless access point.

Once I've narrowed down the problem to the wireless access point, what other things can I do to troubleshoot the problem?

Once you're sure the problem is with the access point itself, consult the documentation that came with your access point for further troubleshooting steps. This will give you the best methods for troubleshooting and perhaps a support line to call for additional help. You can also look for additional support and documentation online by searching for the make and model of your wireless device.