Streamlining Home Automation After Loss: The Search for a 36-Port Gigabit Switch

Hello everyone,

I find myself in a challenging situation after the sudden passing of my father about a month ago. He was deeply passionate about home automation and took it upon himself to build an intricate system for our home using Raspberry Pi devices. His approach was driven by a desire for security, as he wanted to avoid relying on external servers for any functions. However, this has left my family with a complex setup that none of us know how to manage.

The Challenge at Hand

Our home is equipped with a series of 36 Ethernet ports strategically placed in various rooms. The main router is situated downstairs and connects to what I can only describe as a chaotic server room. This space is cluttered with cables and connections that service everything from satellite signals to ceiling speakers.

One component in particular has caught my attention—the large rack that houses the 36 Ethernet ports. To connect any room’s port to the internet, an Ethernet cable must be run from a switch to this rack. Unfortunately, I’m not entirely sure what the actual name of this rack is, so I’m open to information on that front!

What I Aim to Achieve

My goal is to simplify this tangled web of technology to make the house more appealing for prospective buyers—especially for my mother, who will be managing the sale. I believe that by integrating a single, efficient switch with 36 ports, we can connect everything neatly and reduce the mess.

I’ve identified the TP-Link TL-SG3452 as a potential solution for this project. It looks promising, and you can find more details about it here.

Specifications Needed

• Gigabit Ethernet Capability: The switch must support gigabit Ethernet to ensure fast and reliable connections.
• Plug-and-Play Functionality: I need something that can be set up easily without complex configurations—a true plug-and-play device.
• Additional Ports: Ideally, this switch should have around 40 ports to accommodate future connectivity for network-enabled servers and other devices.

Despite the emotional weight of this task, I’m committed to ensuring that my mother can move forward without the burden of this technological chaos. While I’m aware that some Raspberry Pis in the system may fail eventually, leading to disruptions in lighting, audio, and security