Hi all, first forum post after a long term lurking. Wanting some tech advice from the much more tech capable folks on OzBargain. I am currently building a new home (4bdrm,2bath, double brick) on a 450 square block. Wanting some advice on wifi/mesh setup (will have FTTP), home security/cameras, smart home (looking at smart lighting/appliance control potentially) and VPN/VPN router recommendations. Hoping for a solution that is as cross compatible as possible. No one works from home, we do light gaming/streaming/regular device usage so don't need anything super high end. Lots of variables here but I hope that I can gain some knowledge and recommendations. Thanks in advance crew! 😊
New Build Home - Internet/Security/Smart Home Options
Comments
There will be a nbn new development $300 fee when you signup to an ISP.
Double brick and Wi-Fi are not friends. Get ethernet cabling put in now to every fixed device like TVs, computers, game consoles, security cameras, video doorbell and between each Wi-Fi access point. Post a Microsoft Paint floor plan.
- How much do you want to spend?
- How many security cameras do you need?
- Do you want a video doorbell?
- What nbn speed tier are you going with?
- Where is the nbn fibre NTD going to be located?
- What are you using the VPN for?
If going minimum have atleast 3 points 1 at front, 1 in the middle and 1 at the back of the house. This covers you with mesh wifi.
Have ethernet ports at where ur work desk and tv will be
You can also have it in the roof https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/networking/modems-&-routers/101238-deco-x50-poe(3-pack)
You'll need to provision power for all the smart home hardware. Transformer or PoE powered doorbell? PoE security cameras? Extra GPO for smart garage door opener. Are you doing smart doorlocks or simple keyless entry? Choose light fittings that can accommodate smart bulbs so you can operate via automations and/or sensors. Select a smart home automation platform; this will narrow your hardware choices.
Things I'd think about:
* depending on what you are doing with your front fence, I'd run 2 or 3 conduits to the front fence (1 for power for motor for the gate, 1 for "control" to the gate (ie so can control via some automation or alarm panel etc), 1 for a video doorbell on fence) - you don't have to run the cables, but you want the conduits in
* I'd run a PoE video doorbell at the front door
* I'd run cat cables in for CCTV around the house - brand isn't so important immediately. If you are cost saving - go for a cheaper brand and replace with something better when it breaks in a few years. Reolink (for both CCTV and the PoE doorbell) works well I think.. but you can spend more and get better! Consider if you want the risk of CCTV inside or go outside only (ie risk of it being breached and people seeing inside … vs the security of footage of what happens in the house. Different people = different risk tolerance)
* I'd run in alarm cabling (even if you don't install the alarm itself) - much much easier to get cables in for PIRs and keypads in particular before gyprock goes in
* I agree with comments above about wired being superior… but at the same time with a good wifi network, there is only fringe needs for ethernet. Depends how much you want to spend - if you have the $ do both ethernet and wifi. I'd definitely run a few cats to where you want to put wifi APs - better to have them wired rather than mesh'd. Invest in quality APs to give you rock solid wifi - I like Ubiquiti but there are other brands. Depending on the materials in the house and how you are going to use the property, you may want to put an AP or two outside to cover entertainment areas etc?
* Comment above about double GPO for power for garage door controller - definitely!
* Comment above about deciding where everything will run to in the house - definitely! And get heaps of GPO's there. No matter how many you think… you always need more!Thanks all for your comments and suggestions! I tried to take a screenshot of my plans but not sure how to upload to OzB lol. I've got data points in the activity, media, living and study then the NBN box is in the garage. Unfortunately I've already locked in the plans so it costs a stupid amount to make changes. Hopefully I've got enough data points but I've already realized I missed some GPOs 😂
I was leaning more towards Wi-Fi camera setups because I've already locked in the running of all the services. The place comes with an auto garage door but using (presumably/ infrared old school remotes, not sure if you can convert these.
@Twix I am happy to spend several hundred dollars on each item listed, but as an OzBargainer at the best deal possible lol. I was thinking 4 cameras roughly, 2 for out the back and 2 at the front. VPN is mainly for data privacy/security but also for accessing streaming/torrenting/overseas Netflix etc. Thinking of having a VPN router so TVs, smart devices, PlayStations etc that do not have VPN apps installed have protection too. Thinking of going with a 250/25 NBN plan factoring in traffic going through the VPN and slowing down. Would probably be able to make do with 100/25 or similar.
You can usually workout an arrangement with the Site Supervisor to run some extra Ethernet cables during the build, generally by paying the site electrician.
What is your budget? If you have a fairly decent budget, then I strongly suggest looking at a prosumer solution like UniFi. UniFi is best known for their networking gear and access points, but they also offer excellent cameras, doorbells, door access products, and more recently, an all-in-one sensor that can function as both a motion and door sensor. However, their all in one sensor doesn’t appear to have very good reviews and they don’t have a dedicated sirens or external strobe lights, therefore I think you are better off going with a different system for the home alarm, perhaps something like a Bosch solution 3000.
Ideally less than $2k all up for router/mesh, smart devices and security?
Unfortunately, that budget is way too low, not just for a UniFi setup, but even for any other wired setup. The only way to stay below $2k for a home network, cameras, and a home alarm is to go with a DIY wireless system. However, those systems have many shortcomings and are not suitable for a house with double brick external walls, as outdoor devices will have a hard time communicating wirelessly.
If you want to keep costs down yet have a reliable wired system, then the best option is to get all the wiring (for cameras, alarm, and home network) done via the builder and then buy and install all the equipment yourself. Wiring during the build is a little cheaper but more importantly, a lot more flexible (e.g: where you can put your cameras, network ports, sensors etc.) than doing it after the handover, and you can also save a lot but get better equipment too, because builders add a big markup yet sell a very limited range of mediocre stuff.
I think the best general advice is run ethernet cables in the walls everywhere, with a central cabinet/cupboard for any smart hubs, network devices, etc.