Simplifying Home Automation After a Loss: A Guide to Upgrading Your Network Setup

Dealing with the loss of a loved one brings a myriad of challenges, not least of which can be the technical complexities they left behind. Such is the case for me following the unexpected passing of my father just a month ago. A devoted enthusiast of home automation, he engineered an intricate setup utilizing Raspberry Pi devices, designed meticulously to avoid reliance on external servers for security. While his intentions were admirable, it has fallen upon me to transform this high-tech labyrinth back into a more manageable and straightforward system.

The Current State of Affairs

Upon surveying the situation, it became clear that the home is wired with an astounding 36 ethernet ports scattered throughout various rooms. The main router has taken up residence in the basement, extending its reach to a rather chaotic server room where a mix of satellite, TV signals, phone lines, and ceiling speakers all converge.

At the heart of this network mess lies what I’ve dubbed the “rack thing,” which houses the 36 ethernet ports. To connect the ports distributed across the house to the internet, an ethernet cable must be routed from a switch into this rack—making it a vital component of the setup, despite my lack of familiarity with its technical name!

Goals for the Upgrade

With the intention of preparing the house for sale and alleviating any potential buyer concerns, my primary objective is to simplify this overwhelming system. I am contemplating the installation of a robust network switch equipped with 36 ports, allowing for a direct connection to the existing rack.

After some research, I am drawn to the TP-Link TL-SG3452 switch. You can explore its specifications here.

Essential Features:

• Gigabit Ethernet Capability: To ensure a fast and reliable connection.
• Plug and Play Functionality: I need a solution that operates smoothly without complicated configuration, allowing for an easy setup as one would expect from a typical household switch.
• Port Availability: Ideally, the switch should come with around 40 ports so that I can accommodate additional devices, such as a network-enabled server.