Episode 20 - 5 Things Every Home Technology Customer Should Know

On this week's episode we take a break from the news and discuss 5 really useful tips everyone should know before starting any home technology project. This list comes from our experiences working with customers on projects past and present.Shown Notes1. Thermal ManagementExample of a cabinet cooling fan systemExample of a closet fan systemCFM CalculatorBTU/hr Calculator (select W and Btu/h)2. Network EquipmentPlan out WAP locationsUse POE powered access points for conveniencePOE MidspansApple Airport Extreme RouterApple Airport ExpressRuckus WirelessUnifi wireless access point systemUnifi Layer 3 Adoption/Managementihiji remote managementEmbue's Switchboard3. Service Providers SuckTry to find a fiber to the home provider if available. Regardless of price the service should be better - but they will still suck.Turn off ads on Verizon Fios TVTiVoThe many, many, many ways to configure a FiOS networkDouble NAT Configuration Explained4. HDMI has 'problems'HDMI is very hard to troubleshoot because of the lack of tools available to professionals and consumers. It should be "plug and play" but most integrators will call it "plug and pray."Check for firmware updates on receivers and TVsCable boxes aren't always up to date (see point 3)5. All systems will breakIntegrated systems are incredibly complex, hard to troubleshoot, and have multiple points of failure. Given time even the most stable, reliable system will break.