Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 02, 2017 10:55 am I thought I'd start this thread that may end up as a resource point for all things connected in your home. It relates to Home Networking and accommodating present and future connectivity. At this point I'll start off with suggestions and feedback on the following: 1. Cabling (Cat 5E / Cat6) 2. Wi-Fi (device experience) 3. Network Switches 4. POE Switches for Network Cameras. 5. Home Security 6. IP Cameras 7. Network Attached Storage 8. Other 'Connected Devices' such as AC, ceiling fans , lighting etc 9. Solar Monitoring 10. Home Automation I know that there are individual threads floating about but all the above topics tie in with the networking of your new home. Please let me know if there are any other topics to add. Thanks I'll post my first question/comment in the below post. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 2Apr 02, 2017 11:04 am RE Wi-Fi router location. I'm thinking that the central part of most 2 storey homes is the staircase (or the refrigerator) As such I plan on positioning the Wi-Fi router beneath the stairwell (approx 2m above floor level) as this hopefully provides Wi-Fi coverage to the entire home. Usually the higher the better but this seems to be an ideal compromise to serve Wi-Fi to both levels. An alternate position is above the refrigerator (Wi-Fi doesn't like to go through fridges due to the sheet metal) I'm using Netgear NightHawk gear which gives me great coverage in my current single storey home. It presently sits at the 2m height . Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you need? 3Apr 02, 2017 1:44 pm We have planned a dedicated media/network cupboard, which will contain all hubs and routers and our printer. Other connected items, which must all be able to be controlled by our IOS devices (so-called internet of things) include: * smart thermostats * smart smoke/CO2 detectors * remote controlled blinds * remote controlled folding-arm awnings * smart lock * smart lighting * video streamer * multi-room wireless audio * watering controller I wanted to get smart fans too, but there are really only two available: Big *** Fans, which are ridiculously expensive, and a Bluetooth module called fanSync, which has too many limitations IMHO. I would have liked something to remotely report water tank levels, but have found nothing suitable yet (any advice gratefully accepted). The one I forgot until I heard an interesting discussion on Saturday Extra yesterday, was energy monitoring. I am now researching to see if there is a smart switch board or module that can be installed before it is too late (again, any advice gratefully accepted). Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 4Apr 02, 2017 3:47 pm There's a lightbulb that boosts your wifi signal. Would love feedback if anyone's had those. Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you need? 5Apr 02, 2017 7:31 pm Li-Fi is not released on consumer level yet, so I am waiting for that, I am yet to complete my home I am installing a NVR that has POE for IP security cameras so need of POE switch yet For Wi Fi currently testing ubiquiti UniFi AC pro so happy with it no more buffering and its an industrial solution to WiFi signal problems. Next thing I am doing is installing a netgear switch 16 ports, I plan to upgrade to Ubiquiti switch later at the moment its expensive. NAS plan in works will try to expand as and when there is a need. Not planning to have everything smart as it will make me dumb need something to use our brains on. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 6Apr 04, 2017 7:56 am sajidmib I am installing a NVR that has POE for IP security cameras so need of POE switch yet For Wi Fi currently testing ubiquiti UniFi AC pro so happy with it no more buffering and its an industrial solution to WiFi signal problems. Next thing I am doing is installing a netgear switch 16 ports, I plan to upgrade to Ubiquiti switch later at the moment its expensive. NAS plan in works will try to expand as and when there is a need. Not planning to have everything smart as it will make me dumb need something to use our brains on. I took my Netgear NightHawk R7000 wireless router out to the Wisdom Home Manhattan 44 (Oran Park) and tested the Wi-Fi signal throughout the entire home. Good news! No Wi-Fi black spots anywhere! I've read about the Ubiquiti AP being a great unit. Some have commented that the Netgear may have better throughout. Keep me posted on your experiences. Which NVR did you opt for? RE switch I'm looking at a fanless ProCurve for their lifetime warranty. Is 16 ports enough? Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 7Apr 04, 2017 8:20 am arcadelt We have planned a dedicated media/network cupboard, which will contain all hubs and routers and our printer. Other connected items, which must all be able to be controlled by our IOS devices (so-called internet of things) include: * smart thermostats * smart smoke/CO2 detectors * remote controlled blinds * remote controlled folding-arm awnings * smart lock * smart lighting * video streamer * multi-room wireless audio * watering controller Great point and additions to this thread! arcadelt I wanted to get smart fans too, but there are really only two available: BigAss Fans, which are ridiculously expensive, and a Bluetooth module called fanSync, which has too many limitations IMHO. I also really like the BigAss Haiku Fans (the other one is Aeratron) and their summer mode. Ideally I'd like to tie it in with the HVAC system somehow. arcadelt The one I forgot until I heard an interesting discussion on Saturday Extra yesterday, was energy monitoring. I am now researching to see if there is a smart switch board or module that can be installed before it is too late (again, any advice gratefully accepted). I'm with AGL and waiting for the solar smart meter upgrade which would give me 30minute incremental web monitoring. I'm also investigating a new solar system for the new build, and currently favour Enphase micro-inverter's and their monitoring system called Enphase Enlighten! Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you need? 8Apr 04, 2017 9:59 am GLO I also really like the BigAss Haiku Fans (the other one is Aeratron) and their summer mode. Ideally I'd like to tie it in with the HVAC system somehow. Big *** Fans are part of the "Works With Nest" program, so if you have Nest thermostats controlling your HVAC, they will work together. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 9Apr 04, 2017 12:50 pm GLO sajidmib I am installing a NVR that has POE for IP security cameras so need of POE switch yet For Wi Fi currently testing ubiquiti UniFi AC pro so happy with it no more buffering and its an industrial solution to WiFi signal problems. Next thing I am doing is installing a netgear switch 16 ports, I plan to upgrade to Ubiquiti switch later at the moment its expensive. NAS plan in works will try to expand as and when there is a need. Not planning to have everything smart as it will make me dumb need something to use our brains on. I took my Netgear NightHawk R7000 wireless router out to the Wisdom Home Manhattan 44 (Oran Park) and tested the Wi-Fi signal throughout the entire home. Good news! No Wi-Fi black spots anywhere! I've read about the Ubiquiti AP being a great unit. Some have commented that the Netgear may have better throughout. Keep me posted on your experiences. Which NVR did you opt for? RE switch I'm looking at a fanless ProCurve for their lifetime warranty. Is 16 ports enough? For now 16 is enough Will see on need basis and expand I m over with netgear lol but look whatever works nVR hikvision they are around $250 with POE ports so I didn't needed or to procure a Poe switch for that. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 10Apr 05, 2017 12:15 pm For those that are doing connected homes work - what security concerns are you considering? I'm definitely looking at having a network segment just for IOT devices that will allow for outbound to the internet connectivity only where required. And looking to even carve that up to IOT service devices that wouldn't need internet access. And those networks will be separated from my general computers/media/phones/tablets/etc as IOT device security is horrendous and largely uncontrollable. You'd never want those on the same segment that could sniff the traffic maliciously of your private data. Ideally i'd also put some kind of proxy service in place for IOT outbound, so it's only ever allowed to connect to the correct services, and not back to foreign destinations. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 11Apr 07, 2017 11:54 am parawolf For those that are doing connected homes work - what security concerns are you considering? I'm definitely looking at having a network segment just for IOT devices that will allow for outbound to the internet connectivity only where required. And looking to even carve that up to IOT service devices that wouldn't need internet access. And those networks will be separated from my general computers/media/phones/tablets/etc as IOT device security is horrendous and largely uncontrollable. You'd never want those on the same segment that could sniff the traffic maliciously of your private data. Ideally i'd also put some kind of proxy service in place for IOT outbound, so it's only ever allowed to connect to the correct services, and not back to foreign destinations. What IOT devices are you planning? Like a thermostat or a solar controller with built in Wifi I guess if its manufacturer based it will have all the security measures in place If its create your own like a Rasberry pie kinda IOT thing then that for sure is needing extra security. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 12Apr 07, 2017 11:19 pm What I'm planning on installing after handover. - Ring doorbell - Zwave controller with wifi dimmers - GoGogate2 (monitor garage door, see if its opened or closed, get notified) - HikVision cameras + POE NVR, will decide on model once closer to build completion - AmpliFi Mesh Wi-Fi system - Google Home or Amazone Echo, still undecided. Wish list - Blinds controller automation - smart door lock with pin pad Wisdom Homes Manhattan 39 Blog - https://edmondson-park.blogspot.com.au H1 Thread - https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=88210 Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 13Apr 11, 2017 10:25 am sajidmib What IOT devices are you planning? Like a thermostat or a solar controller with built in Wifi I guess if its manufacturer based it will have all the security measures in place If its create your own like a Rasberry pie kinda IOT thing then that for sure is needing extra security. I think you may need to investigate closer the IoT devices and their security capability or lack thereof. The largest amount of DDoS origin traffic is from unsecured IoT devices. Cameras (both wired and wireless), even the "Ring" internet front doorbell has had security concerns around it. Manufacturers are well known for pushing out ancient versions of embedded linux/bsd with default admin/root passwords, insecure connection methods that are undocumented and much more (application stacks with vulnerabilities leading to root access and enabling of disabled access methods, etc). Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 14Apr 18, 2017 9:15 am Things like this: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/04/1 ... rnel_flaw/ are why embedded linux IoT devices need to be isolated from your internal network where you might be doing things with internet banking, online shopping, but also have a restricted outbound set of rules such that they can only get to the foreign networks that they need to get to. Many embedded linux platforms will definitely be vulnerable as well as Android/Smart TV's, but they may never get a code update to patch these things. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 15Apr 19, 2017 1:54 pm I'm loving this thread. Not investing tooooooo much $ in home tech as this isn't my forever home, just a starter home. But I am wiring every room (sparky today said "gee you've got a lot of network cabling..." and getting the Ubiquiti UniFi AC Pro ceiling mounted in the rear of the house. Getting a TP-Link Gigabit switch with POE for the WAP and possible future video cameras with POE. Front door will have a Ring Pro doorbell and an electronic door lock - currently looking at the Kwikset Kevo with Kevo Plus gateway to allow me to open it from anywhere... but have read a few people having issues with a possible geoblock on the Kevo Plus, so I have more research to do there. Oh, and yes I want a watering controller too. And a robot vacuum and possibly a robot mower as well, just starting research on them at the moment. I *love* technology Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 16Apr 19, 2017 2:05 pm I am totally new at this but do like techno stuff. I have allowed a $10000 budget for smart wiring. Things I would like are lighting, aircon, security system, multi room audio. Am I on the right track here? I have done no research yet. @Madora Dreamer Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 17Apr 19, 2017 5:10 pm Madora Dreamer I am totally new at this but do like techno stuff. I have allowed a $10000 budget for smart wiring. Things I would like are lighting, aircon, security system, multi room audio. Am I on the right track here? I have done no research yet. Wiring is old school. The paradigm used to be to have a central brain or hub and then feed out to dumb devices. These days the devices are smart and link wirelessly; probably all except the security (although there are options) and the aircon. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 18Apr 19, 2017 7:03 pm arcadelt Madora Dreamer I am totally new at this but do like techno stuff. I have allowed a $10000 budget for smart wiring. Things I would like are lighting, aircon, security system, multi room audio. Am I on the right track here? I have done no research yet. Wiring is old school. The paradigm used to be to have a central brain or hub and then feed out to dumb devices. These days the devices are smart and link wirelessly; probably all except the security (although there are options) and the aircon. Wiring to support high bandwidth demands and PoE linkages such as WiFi access points across a multi story or large ground floor house is entirely accurate. Outdoor security, use power over Ethernet to provide physical network and power to the device. Online gaming to a PS4, XBOne or gaming PC, lower latency of wired networks is a great option. 4K and coming 8k standards for streaming media is easier when it's over wires vs the shared bandwidth over wifi. Also the CAT6 in wall cables can carry other signals point to point for example use of hdmi to cat6 adapters. Also doing a good job of the cabling, means you can scale to newer technologies like 5Gbit or 10Gbit. Wires are far from dead. Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 19Apr 19, 2017 11:38 pm Do I need a plan before Pre start do you know? Will I need to get an external party in to do it during the build? I have a house/land package in Perth with Redink @Madora Dreamer Re: Your Connected Home. What have you done / what do you ne 20Apr 20, 2017 9:15 am parawolf Wires are far from dead. You make a lot of good points, but there are always alternatives. Many wireless solutions are often at lower initial and total ownership cost. Madora Dreamer I am totally new at this but do like techno stuff. I have allowed a $10000 budget for smart wiring. Things I would like are lighting, aircon, security system, multi room audio. Some examples based on functionality the OP suggested he or she might want include: Philips Hue smart lighting Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Nest Thermostats Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Netgear Arlo security cameras Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Elgato Eve security sensors Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Sonos multi-room audio Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Thanks mate. Yeah good points! Leaning towards Option 3 to get a bit extra space in the cabinets but not going too crazy high (and expensive). Would require a mini… 13 40925 Hi All, I just wanted to close this topic out with an update. So we ended up agreeing to a number with the insurance company, and after an extensive amount of hand… 8 24432 You have mandatory building inspections and privately engaged building inspections. The difference between the two comes down to inspecting the building so it's safe and… 3 18604 |