Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleF
I think he means a firmware backup with your settings configured into it? That way if you mess up your systems, you can reload/restore and start over rather than try and reverse navigate your way out of the mess.
{snip}
Honestly, I'm not even going to say that what I suggested is actually completely "accurate" and/or "efficient". I'm sure others might disagree with my concerns about the complexity. I'm quite certain my own set up at home is more "stupid but functional" rather than a well designed and optimized set up and that's with the dead easy AmpliFi routers hooked up and additional hours and hours of tinkering with things and solving random issues.
|
Well put.
Yes, a backup is essential. The hardware (and it doesn't matter whose hardware you eventually settle on) is always in need of some form of human assistance, tweaking, updating, upgrading etc. BEFORE doing so, it is smart to make a backup - all routers or control systems have the ability to do so - and to stash same on a location you can "reach" even if your entire system blows up. Typically that is somewhere on your PC, or on a USB stick. Back up, set aside, tweak, and only if needed, restore the backup and try again. Oh, yes: EVERY TIME.
How to proceed?
Map your system. Some of what you have will be useless, some may be of use, but until you know that, it's a tough thing to advise.
Yes - probably move all your "control hardware" to the basement, more because it's generally ugly, noisy and has flashing lights than any other reason and spouses generally don't appreciate any of that. At least not in my experience LOL.
Then, start slowly and easily. Yes, the Amplifi system is a good choice. I have a pal who is definitely non-technical and he had no problem setting up an Amplifi mesh system at his condo. (Use the white boxes, unless you are a fanatic gamer - the Alien system/Gaming systems are great, but likely overkill.)
The Amplifi "Instant" system should get you up and running almost totally wirelessly, if you don't want to go through the mapping process right away. At least you can have whole-home internet decently. Connect the base unit to your router and away you go, set up the mesh units and the rest of the house is connected. Quick info here:
https://amplifi.com/instant.
Then add a switch or two for any wired devices at your leisure.