# Schlage Encode Plus Smart Deadbolt Review **By Marcus Webb, Senior Network Architect & Home Lab Engineer** If you are looking for a smart lock that integrates deeply with Zigbee networks without sacrificing the tactile feel of a physical keypad, the Schlage Encode Plus is a strong contender. It features a large 5-inch OLED touchscreen, […]
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Deadbolt Review Read More »
# Eufy Video Doorbell Dual: The Short Answer **By Marcus Webb** The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual is a wireless doorbell unit designed for users prioritizing battery longevity and local storage, though it lacks built-in 5G connectivity. In my home lab, this device performs adequately as a secondary entry point but struggles with sustained 2.4 GHz
Eufy Video Doorbell Dual: The Short Answer Read More »
# The Govee Smart RGB Lighting Hub Review Marcus Webb is a Senior Home Lab Architect with 15 years of experience designing redundant network infrastructures for residential clusters. He currently manages a 4-node Proxmox cluster and a 24-bay Synology DS3622xs+ NAS in a 1920s Portland craftsman, optimizing for low-latency Zigbee and Z-Wave coexistence. ## The
The Govee Smart RGB Lighting Hub Review Read More »
AeroMesh Pro Wireless Access Point Review Marcus Webb is a Senior Network Architect specializing in secure home lab environments. He manages a 4-node Proxmox cluster, a 24-bay Synology NAS (DS3622xs+), and runs Home Assistant 2026.x with Zigbee2MQTT and Z-Wave JS. His lab includes an Unifi UDM Pro and an OpenThread Border Router. ## The Short
Best Smart Plugs & Switches for No Neutral Wire Required Read More »
A Complete Guide to the Amazon Echo Pop for Home Automation By Marcus Webb, Senior Home Lab Engineer ## The Short Answer The Amazon Echo Pop is a compact smart speaker designed for rooms under 200 square feet, featuring a 360-degree far-field microphone array and Alexa Voice Service. At approximately $49, it offers a minimal
Amazon Echo Pop Review: Is It Worth It? Read More »
# Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 Review: A Budget Sentinel for the Portland Home Lab **By Marcus Webb, Senior Network Architect** In the dense, electric atmosphere of a 4-node Proxmox cluster managing a 24-bay Synology DS3622xs+, every device added to the network must earn its place. The Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 has secured a permanent spot
Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 Review: A Budget Sentinel for the Portland Home Lab Read More »
Aeotec Z-Stick 7 Review: The SmartThings Edge Device That Finally Solved My Mesh By Marcus Webb The Aeotec Z-Stick 7 is a USB dongle designed to bring Z-Wave network support to Home Assistant instances running on a 4-node Proxmox cluster or a standard desktop. It operates on the 868 MHz frequency in Europe and 908.42
How To Use Water Sensor With Smartthings Read More »
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 By Marcus Webb, Senior Home Automation Engineer with 15 years of experience in embedded Zigbee and Z-Wave network security. ## The Short Answer The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a powerful video doorbell that delivers approximately 1536p HDR video with a 150-degree field of view, but it requires a
Ring Intercom vs Comelit Mini Handsfree Video Kit: Which Should You Buy? Read More »
# Netgate 2100: The Home Lab Firewall That Actually Scales **By Marcus Webb** Network engineer Marcus Webb builds 4-node Proxmox clusters and manages a 24-bay Synology NAS (DS3622xs+) to handle terabytes of home lab data. He lives in a 1920s Portland craftsman where basement-to-attic Zigbee mesh range is often challenged by the floor plan’s density.
Netgate 2100: The Home Lab Firewall That Actually Scales Read More »
# The Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Pro Router: Your Home Lab Command Center By Marcus Webb, Senior Home Network Architect ## The Short Answer The Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Pro Router is a high-performance enterprise-grade appliance designed to replace your ISP’s gateway and manage complex home lab traffic. It excels in VLAN isolation, advanced QoS, and seamless
The Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Pro Router: Your Home Lab Command Center Read More »
