UniFi for Churches: Hempstead Assembly of God Case Study

Introduction

Hempstead Assembly of God is located in Hempstead, NY on Long Island. The building includes two above-ground floors and two below-ground levels. Because of that layout, reliable internet access was a constant challenge.

Church leaders needed connectivity that worked for staff, parishioners, and students in every part of the facility. In addition, they wanted to support live streaming, Dante audio, and dedicated VLANs for each classroom.

When the pandemic hit, the demand for stable, high-capacity networking increased quickly. That’s when the UniFi Nerds stepped in to deliver UniFi for churches at scale. To this day, it remains one of our favorite installs.

Project Background

Phase One began in December 2021. Later, we returned in June 2024 for Phase Two, which is covered in a separate case study.

During Phase One, the church set a clear goal: modernize the entire network across roughly 35,000 square feet. The building ran school programs, weekly services, and special events. At peak times, up to 200 people could connect as many as 500 devices.

Because usage spiked during events, the church needed a system that could handle bursty traffic indoors and outdoors. They also wanted wired connections in offices and classrooms, plus strong wireless coverage for staff, volunteers, parishioners, and students. In short, the project required careful planning and resilient equipment.

Challenges During Phase One

This project came with three major hurdles. First, the building size and multi-level layout created coverage issues. Signals had to reach basement classrooms and out-of-the-way rooms. Otherwise, dead spots would disrupt streaming and daily tasks.

Second, the existing network was a patchwork. Linksys and Netgear routers and repeaters were scattered throughout the facility. Unfortunately, those consumer devices could not support a large congregation with modern needs.

Third, COVID-19 restrictions made scheduling and logistics harder. We worked with limited crews, followed health guidelines, and dealt with long hardware lead times. Shipments that once took a week often took two or three months.

On top of that, the church needed Dante audio integrated into the network. Because Dante is audio-over-IP, it requires a tailored design to keep music and voice streams stable.

Goals and Requirements

Church officials outlined clear objectives. They wanted to:

• Remove outdated Linksys and Netgear devices spread across 35,000 square feet
• Achieve stable, building-wide Wi-Fi
• Segregate each classroom through independent VLANs
• Install usable wired ports for offices, classrooms, and common areas
• Enable high-bandwidth streaming without slowdowns
• Implement Dante sound integration for real-time music and audio feeds

These requirements shaped our design choices. We selected UniFi hardware known for reliability, remote management, and scalability. In addition, we ensured that the network could handle hundreds of simultaneous connections without collisions.

The leadership team also wanted minimal maintenance. They needed a system that ran with low hassle and near-zero downtime. For that reason, UniFi for churches was the ideal solution.

Planning and RF Mapping

Before installation, we completed multiple walkthroughs and evaluated the full layout, including both subterranean floors. We also tested signals in areas where thick walls and reinforced ceilings could weaken Wi-Fi coverage.

Next, we created an RF map to plan access point placement. At the same time, we reviewed existing wiring and identified runs that needed upgrades or rerouting.

The building also had older consumer routers hidden in corners. Because each device had different settings, they created conflicts and instability. Therefore, our plan included removing all legacy units and rebuilding a clean backbone.

That backbone supported 20 classroom switches and additional access points. It also fed into a UniFi Dream Machine Pro for routing, security, and centralized control. As a result, we could segment each classroom with VLANs so student traffic never interfered with administrative systems.

UniFi Hardware Choices

We implemented a range of UniFi products to match the building’s needs:

• 20 U6 In-Wall APs and 20 eight-port UniFi switches (one set per classroom): Dedicated wired and wireless access for each room.
• Multiple U6 LR Access Points: Broad coverage in open areas with better range.
• UniFi Dream Machine Pro: VLANs, security policies, and advanced routing with centralized management.
• 4 UniFi 48-port switches: Power and connectivity for devices across multiple floors.
• UniFi AP AC units: Consistent coverage in hallways and basement zones.

This unified approach eliminated the mishmash of consumer access points. Each classroom gained reliable wired ports and dedicated wireless coverage.

We also designed Dante audio VLANs to prioritize audio traffic and reduce jitter. In addition, we tuned switch settings so Dante streams stayed stable without consuming bandwidth needed by other users.

Overcoming Pandemic Constraints

COVID restrictions added complexity. We scheduled workdays when occupancy was low, and we followed health guidelines that limited on-site staffing.

Hardware availability was an even bigger challenge. Because supply chain delays stretched orders by months, we tested each access point and switch as it arrived. We verified firmware versions and confirmed stability before installation.

We completed rewiring over seven consecutive days, focusing on areas we could access safely. Meanwhile, Dante integration required careful multicast tuning. Therefore, we configured the Dante VLAN, tested real-time audio in the auditorium, and adjusted Quality of Service settings to keep audio smooth during peak usage.

Finally, we validated the system with speed tests at each port and packet captures for Dante performance. As a result, the church gained confidence in long-term stability.

Final Results

After completion, Hempstead Assembly of God gained a modern wired and wireless infrastructure. Parishioners, staff, and volunteers experienced strong signals throughout the building, including basement classrooms.

Dante audio ran reliably for live music and events. Classroom VLANs prevented interference between wings of the building. In addition, streaming improved because the network supported bursty traffic without collapsing.

The board of trustees appreciated the shift to UniFi for churches. Leadership also loved that live streaming became seamless, and pre-recorded music was no longer the only option during online events.

Over four years, the system generated only one support call. A UniFi switch power supply failed once, and we replaced it quickly. Everything else ran smoothly, which proved the value of careful planning and professional installation.

Key Lessons and Conclusion

This case study shows the power of a well-planned UniFi system in a large church environment. Consumer-grade devices do not hold up when hundreds of users need secure, high-performance networking.

Instead, a consistent design—backed by site surveys, proper wiring, and VLAN segmentation—delivers stable service even in complex buildings. Ultimately, UniFi for churches can support school programs, worship services, live streaming, and advanced audio integrations like Dante with minimal maintenance.

If your congregation needs a reliable, scalable network, consider The UniFi Nerds. We offer free consultations to evaluate your building and recommend a solution for your budget and goals. Book an appointment today and see how a unified UniFi ecosystem can transform your church’s connectivity.