I've been using Housebot in my campervan for the last 7 years, and now it's time to build a second server for the home. I'm quite excited about this as I shall be basing my solution on something I'm familiar with (HB), and feel "now is the time" with regards the availability of Home Automation devices.
As this is a greenfield plan without any legacy/incumbent devices installed, I'm looking to use the latest and hopefully non-proprietary devices and protocols.
So, if you all had to start from scratch:
- What would your general approach be in terms of protocols and hierarchy?
- What functional devices would you retain, and which would you drop? Which would you consider essential? (security devices, HVAC, lighting, information services, etc)
- Would you use wireless exclusively, or still rely on Ethernet for more critical use?
- What's in your "non-essential but sexy" closet? Those solutions that make it interesting/pioneering/fun... (and what are your favourite sequences: if this and this happen, do this..)
- Where would you locate your housebot server? Anywhere you wouldn't?
- Would you run your servers with a local (touchscreen) remote client? (as a master)
- What remote client would you choose today?
- Any other considerations?
Your view on any of the above would be interesting and very useful.