Network Topology

This page documents the network topology…

The computer network at FBC is a combination of wired Ethernet (mostly CAT5e, some CAT6) and eero wireless hubs. This page documents the current (September 2026) state of affairs.

The network was extensively cleaned up/updated in 2023, the failure of a PoE switch being the precipitating event. Revisions were managed by Matt Strange, and extensive documentation was filed in the office by Sue Pratt, secretary.

Network overview…

The network hub is found in the copier room. Blue Ridge Communications provides connectivity via a standard coax feed connected to their ‘Technicolor’ cable modem. The modem connects to an eero Pro 6E (model S010001), which is the gateway to the network.

From the eero gateway, an Ethernet switch provides connections to 5 eero Pro 6E router/extenders in a standard mesh configuration. The eero devices are set to automatically install software updates as needed.

The Ethernet switch is a D-Link DGS-1210-28. This is a 24 port Gigabit unmanaged switch.

During network cleanup in 2023, a ‘mini-rack’ was installed with a rack mounted power strip and a 16 port patch panel. All current and future Ethernet runs should return to this patch panel, which provides connection to the switch via short patch cables (CAT5e). Only the eero gateway should connect directly to the switch.

Ethernet routing…

During the 2023 cleanup, all Ethernet cables were identified, labeled (both ends and sometimes in the middle at key locations) and confirmed to be in working order.

The numbering key is standard: 1xx for ground level runs, 2xx for 2nd story runs. In this location, the cables are found in the ceiling of the indicated level. Note that the foyer, sanctuary, etc. are deemed to be 2nd level, making the attic above the sanctuary a 3rd level, with 3xx cable runs.

FBCW Ethernet Routing Download

The map on the right shows the approximate routes of all known Ethernet cables on campus. All runs return to the patch panel, which is labeled with the cable number and a general name for the area where the cable terminates.

Note: in 2025 an additional cable run was found running from the room stage left of the baptistry to an indeterminate location toward the back of the sanctuary. The cable runs through the trough on that side of the sanctuary; its termination point is yet to be determined. If this is a viable run, the eero router in the foyer should be moved to this location, to improve coverage in the front of the sanctuary and the parking lot.

Random Notes from Matt’s Explorations in 2023, brought into sync with the FBCW Ethernet Routing map shown above…

4 Ethernet cables 100–103 go directly to the secretary’s office, and can be seen by lifting any ceiling panel in the direct line from the patch panel to the doorway to the office.

2 Ethernet cables 110–111 stay within the copier room, and can be seen by lifting any ceiling panel in the direct line from the patch panel to the termination point on the northeast wall.

7 Ethernet cables 120–140 go directly southeast in the ceiling, dropping down at various termination points. (see map)

3 Ethernet cables 211–240 (tagged as A1–A3) come up to attic from a point 9½ joists from the attic access port, approximately 1′ towards the center from the centermost edge of the attic access port. (The red dot in the map denotes this vertical run.) These are accessed via the crawlspace port in the ‘upper storage area’ of the secondary kitchen.

A1 terminates above the fellowship hall, where the projector is hung with an open jack on the side of the projector. Available for use.
A2 terminates above the hallway to the back conference room (8 joists from garage end, 20 joists from the “T” connecting the fellowship hall to the rest of the upstairs rooms) — it should be accessible through the ceiling panels, without having to go through the attic crawlspace. Currently unused.
A3 extends to the far end of the crawlspace, through to the garage via a metal conduit (visible between the buildings), and to the far end of the garage, where it terminates with an jack used to connect the eero extender. This extender provides coverage for the Lighthouse.

4 Ethernet cables F01-F02 & 300–301 go out into the hallway and then turn northwest. One of these exits the copier room just above the door and joins a cluster of various types of wire; the other three exit opposite the mailboxes in the hallway. (I do not know which one is the odd duck.)

F01 & F02 go to the furnace room; 1 for the telephone system, 1 for the heading system.
300–301 (tagged W1 & W2) continue in the ceiling above the foyer and into the attic above the sanctuary, terminating at the A/V rack: 1 provides a hardwired connection for the A/V equipment, the other for the eero extender.

Wifi topology…

Wifi is provided by six (6) eero Pro 6E routers. One at the network hub acts as the gateway to the cable modem. The others are placed in strategic locations across the campus. Current locations are: 1) ceiling of Fellowship Hall, 2) ceiling of Foyer, 3) A/V rack in attic above sanctuary, 4) upper hallway to conference room, and 5) far wall of garage, providing connectivity to Lighthouse. The A/V and Garage routers are connected via Ethernet; the rest are wifi extenders.

Signal strength throughout the campus was mapped prior to the revisions, and again in 2024. Another mapping should be done once final placement of the eero routers is complete.

The eero devices are registered through the church’s Amazon account linked to office@firstbaptistwellsboro.com. Two iPads (AV & Security) have the eero app installed and are set up for management, and Matt Strange & Josh Beals have the role of invited administrators.

Other systems…

The heating system is connected to the network via a Netgear FS116 10/100 switch in the furnace room. Details regarding this system are beyond the scope of this page.

The telephone system is controlled by an Arris TM822 cable modem in the furnace room. Details regarding this system are beyond the scope of this page.

The security system is an Alibi QVR3108H, originally installed by Larry Bowen, who is now retired. Not much more is known about this system.

The A/V system was installed in the attic above the sanctuary by a contractor (Illuminated Integration) in 2023. Details regarding this system are beyond the scope of this page, other than to say that the contractor has proven to be very expensive and not very helpful. At the recommendation of Bud Voorhees (with hearty agreement from Matt Strange) we are now using Gelnett & Associates of Northumberland, PA for support. See the Audio page for more details.

This page can be found online at fbcwellsboro.org/resources/network