cross-posted from: https://aussie.zone/post/19637893

Wifi networks and home automation systems are expected to last 50+ years.

I was reading up on the life expectancy of different building materials when I came across this gem.

Screenshot is of page 122 https://www.portseattle.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/SEA-SIPP%20Technical%20Report%20Appendix%20C%20Life%20Expectancy%20of%20Building%20Materials.pdf

I guess the ethernet cables could last that long, but they rate house wiring to a lower lifetime. Ethernet cables are not "wireless", however.

The only other wireless systems I can think of are garage door openers, but they are definitely not expected to last 50 years.

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[–] 8 points 1 year ago* (4 children)

You have to get industrial hardware built to last. I picked up an all-metal network appliance back in 2015 and it’s still kicking. Handles gigabit just fine as well. Here’s a random example of the type of thing I got (the exact one I got went out of sale years ago): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKMJGD6/

You also end up having to split out your Wi-Fi to a dedicated access point this way for another ~$80, but you end up with a rock-solid setup that you can upgrade the software on year over year. I’ve ran at least 3 different OSs at this point since I’ve owned it and it’s handled them all perfectly. I’ve only had to upgrade my Wi-Fi AP once in that time.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Hey, thank you very much. I'm looking to dump the damn tplink I got when the hurricane screwed up things here and the previous one got fried. Being able to update like that is a damn attractive thing.

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