Meetinghouse firewalls have a limited number of available local area network (LAN) ports. With the scope of meetinghouse networks increasing, many are finding that the firewall alone is not enough to accommodate all the connected devices. A network switch is used to increase the number of LAN ports available for use.
There are two types of switches that can be found within a meetinghouse: managed and unmanaged. While unmanaged switches are authorized for use, the Meraki 8-port (shown above) and 24-port managed switches are the current models and are the only devices authorized to be connected directly to the firewall. Using a Meraki managed switch provides better security, remote troubleshooting abilities, and remote control, and it is required for all meetinghouse networks.
Technology specialists (TSs) are responsible for ensuring that meetinghouse switches remain connected and functioning. When circumstances allow, and at the direction of the stake president, TSs can assist the facilities management group (FMG) with installing and activating the switches as well. Below are tasks associated with network switches that TSs can expect to perform:
TS SWITCH TASKS
- Assisting FMG with switch installation and activation (as needed)
- Assisting FMG with unmanaged switch installation (as needed)
- Troubleshooting network switches
- Understanding switch FAQs