The Home Network Guide
Built in a Basement Lab
Honest reviews of routers, smart home gear, NAS devices, and security cameras — tested by someone who actually runs Linux at home.
Every Category We Cover
WiFi Routers & Mesh
Tested on real home networks with 50+ devices
Security Cameras
NVR setups, PoE cameras, and local storage
Smart Locks
Z-Wave, WiFi, and HomeKit compatible locks
Smart Bulbs
Zigbee, WiFi, and Matter protocol lighting
NAS & Home Servers
Synology, QNAP, and custom home lab builds
Smart Plugs & Switches
Energy monitoring and local control options
Smart Thermostats
Heat pump, baseboard, and multi-zone systems
Smart Home Hubs
Home Assistant, Hubitat, and SmartThings
Video Doorbells
Wired, battery, and subscription-free options
Robot Vacuums
Mapping, mopping, and self-emptying systems
Smart Speakers
Alexa, Google, and Apple ecosystem devices
VPN Routers
pfSense, GL.iNet, and whole-home privacy
The Linux Home Networking Guide
After six years of running a Proxmox cluster, 24-bay NAS, and a fully automated Linux smart home in my Portland basement — here is everything I learned about building a network that actually works.
Choose the Right Router
OpenWRT compatibility, VPN performance, and what the spec sheets do not tell you about real-world throughput.
Segment Your Network
Why IoT devices should never share a VLAN with your workstation, and how to set up proper network segregation without a CCNA.
Add Local Storage
NAS sizing, RAID configurations, and why I stopped using cloud storage for anything that matters.
Current Top Recommendations
Best Mesh System
Top PickAfter testing eight mesh systems in my basement with concrete walls, one consistently delivers the best combination of coverage, local control, and Linux compatibility.
See mesh system reviewsBest Home NAS
Top PickI have run Synology and QNAP units side by side for three years. My current NAS recommendation depends heavily on whether you want simplicity or maximum flexibility.
See NAS reviewsBest Smart Home Hub
Top PickI switched from SmartThings to Home Assistant three years ago and have not looked back. Here is why local processing changes everything for serious home automation.
See hub reviewsReviews Written by Someone Who Actually Uses This Gear
I am Marcus Webb, a former managed services network engineer who has spent the last six years building a Linux-based smart home in my Portland basement. I run a four-node Proxmox cluster, a 24-bay Synology NAS, and have personally installed and configured over 200 smart home devices.
Every review on Smart Home Network comes from real installation experience — not press releases or manufacturer specs. I test for Linux compatibility, local control capability, and what happens when the internet goes down. Those are the things that matter and that most reviewers never check.
Start With the Buying Guides
Not sure where to start? The buying guides cut through the noise and tell you exactly what to buy for your specific situation.
Linux Home Networking Guide About Marcus Webb