Portable Meetinghouse Network

Summary

The Church now supports a portable networking device, intended for smaller units meeting in non-permanent locations. Introducing the Cisco Meraki Z4C Teleworker Gateway. This compact device combines a cellular internet connection, Wi-Fi broadcasting, and wired connections, all in a single device.

Who is this device for?

This device offers a different feature set than an MX series security appliance, and as configured, will be much less capable than the full recommended stack found here. The Portable solution is only intended for use in the following situations:

• Smaller congregations, with 50 attendees or less.
• Buildings where a single AP is sufficient. As configured, the Z4C can not accept additional switches or access points.
• Rented or leased buildings where permanent cables can't be run to multiple devices. (Church-owned properties should use the full stack)
• Buildings where there's a significant risk of theft to gear left in the building overnight.

Benefits

• Portable- Fits in a briefcase or backpack and can be easily transported from one location to another
• Can act as a cellular modem or gateway for cellular ISP's (Not tested in all countries, but proven to work on multiple continents)
• Compatible with virtually any other ISP modem or gateway. This includes:
  • Starlink or other satellite ISP's
  • cellular ISP's
  • Fiber ISP's
  • Cable ISP's
• Allows Church networks to be configured and monitored in Church Network Manager (CNM)
• Supports 500Mbps internet throughput

Known Limitations

The Z4C only has access to a subset of the features in Church Network Manager. Limitations include the following:

• Liahona SSID is always broadcasting when the device is powered on. (The password for Liahona is the same as with the MX series security appliances)
  • This also means the wireless scheduling function of CNM is not available
• Liahona is the only SSID available. Lehi, IOTConnect, and Deseret are not available on teh Z4C.
• The ports cannot accept additional switches or access points.
• All ports are set to the public VLAN and cannot be changed in CNM.
• CNM Group policy (No Splash, IOT, etc...) functions are not available.
  • Therefore all devices connecting, whether wired or wirelessly will need to be able to accept the Church's Terms of Service splash page.
• It does not support Facilities, Workforce, or IOT zones.
• No other network devices (switches, access points, etc...) whether Cisco brand or not, will be able to connect to the Z4C. The only exception is the Ethernet cable feed from a wired Internet Service Provider, connected to the Internet port of the Z4C.

All other units will benefit from should order and install the regular networking stack

uses a different API to communicate with the Meraki Dashboard

How to Order

Use the same method you currently use to purchase other meetinghouse network equipment in your country. (eg eMarket in the United States)

Order model Z4C-HW-WW (worldwide version—works everywhere, including North America)

Power Cable

Order the appropriate power cable for your country:

·      MA-PWR-CORD-US – United States plug

·      MA-PWR-CORD-EU – European Union plug

·      MA-PWR-CORD-UK – United Kingdom plug

·      MA-PWR-CORD-AU – Australia plug