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What I’m Actually Using
What I’m Actually Using
This page is a closer look at some of the hardware and devices currently running in my smart home, network, home lab, and technology projects.
My setup changes as I experiment with new equipment, replace older devices, and find better ways to make everything work together, so this page will continue evolving over time.
If you’re more interested in the platforms, services, and technology behind the setup, check out my Tools page.
Current Setup
Current Setup
These are some of the devices currently playing an important role in my setup.
Rather than listing every piece of technology I own, I’m focusing on equipment that is part of a project, solves a useful problem, or has become an important part of how my systems work.
Last updated: August 2026
Smart Home & Zigbee
Smart Home & Zigbee
Zigbee devices make up part of my smart-home environment and connect back into Home Assistant, where I can monitor devices, build automations, and bring different parts of the system together.
Flexible Placement
Flexible Placement
Having the coordinator connected through Ethernet gives me more freedom to position it where it makes sense for the Zigbee network instead of where the server happens to be located.
That separation can also make future changes to the server or smart-home software easier because the coordinator does not have to be physically attached to the machine running it.
ZigStar UZG — Universal ZigBee Gateway
ZigStar UZG — Universal ZigBee Gateway
The ZigStar UZG acts as the coordinator for my Zigbee network, providing the connection between my Zigbee devices and the rest of my smart-home environment.
One feature I particularly like about my setup is that I can power the coordinator using Power over Ethernet. That gives me more flexibility in where I place it instead of needing to keep it directly next to the computer or server running my smart-home software.
How I use it:
Zigbee coordinator for my smart-home devices
Connected through my network
Powered using PoE
Used as part of my Home Assistant environment
Provides a central connection point for compatible Zigbee devices
THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Plug
THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Plug
Real-Time Power Monitoring
Real-Time Power Monitoring
I use THIRDREALITY Zigbee smart plugs on different devices where I want both smart control and information about how much power the connected equipment is using.
The power-monitoring capability is especially useful because Home Assistant can use that information for more than simply displaying electricity usage.
I can also build automations based on whether a device is actively consuming power.
How I use them:
Turn connected devices on and off
Monitor real-time power usage
Track energy consumption
Use power consumption as an automation trigger
Extend my Zigbee environment with additional powered devices
Example automation:
A device drawing power can indicate that it is currently running. That information can then be used by Home Assistant as part of an automation instead of relying only on whether the smart plug itself is switched on.
How It Connects to Home Assistant
How It Connects to Home Assistant
The hardware is only one part of the smart-home setup.
Devices such as the Zigbee coordinator and power-monitoring plugs provide the connection, control, and sensor information that Home Assistant can use to build automations.
That relationship is what makes the system interesting to me. A smart plug isn't limited to being an on/off switch, and a sensor isn't limited to simply displaying a value. Information from one device can become the trigger for something completely different elsewhere in the system.
What I Look for in Hardware
What I Look for in Hardware
Not every device needs to be the newest or most expensive option. I'm generally more interested in whether something fits into the overall system and gives me useful options for future projects.
Integration
Integration
I prefer equipment that can become part of a larger system instead of operating entirely on its own.
Useful Data
Useful Data
Devices become much more interesting when they provide information that can be used for monitoring or automation.
Flexibility
Flexibility
I like hardware that leaves room to experiment, change the setup, or use it differently as future projects develop.
As My Setup Grows
As My Setup Grows
There are several other parts of my technology setup that I plan to document over time.
As I have useful information and photos to share, this page can expand into areas such as:
Smart Home
Smart Home
Coordinators, sensors, smart plugs, lighting, controllers, and other connected devices.
Networking
Networking
Routers, switches, Wi-Fi equipment, network management, and related hardware.
Home Lab
Home Lab
Servers, storage, virtualization hardware, and equipment supporting services around the house.
Computers
Computers
Computers, displays, docks, storage, and other equipment that has become part of my regular workflow.
Content Creation
Content Creation
Cameras, microphones, editing hardware, storage, and other technology used for YouTube and the website.
Travel Tech
Travel Tech
Networking gear, chargers, accessories, and technology that comes along when I travel.
Looking for Something Else?
Looking for Something Else?
My Setup
My Setup
Specific hardware and devices
Specific hardware and devices
This page covers the physical equipment currently being used in my smart home, network, home lab, and projects.
Tools
Tools
Platforms, systems and technology
Platforms, systems and technology
Tools covers things such as Home Assistant, virtualization, travel networking, and the technology that helps everything work together.
Want to See What I Build With It?
Want to See What I Build With It?
The equipment is only part of the story.
Visit Projects & Tech to see the smart-home, networking, AI, automation, and other technology areas I'm exploring.
Have a Setup Question?
Have a Setup Question?
Have a question about something in my setup, or an idea for a technology project worth exploring?
Feel free to reach out.
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