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The Technology Behind My Projects
The Technology Behind My Projects
From smart-home automation and networking to servers and travel technology, these are some of the tools I use to build, experiment, learn, and keep things running.
I use the word “tools” pretty broadly. Some are physical devices, while others are software, platforms, or services that help everything work together.
This page will continue to evolve as my setup changes and I experiment with new technology.
Home Lab & Infrastructure
Home Lab & Infrastructure
Virtualization Server
Virtualization Server
My virtualization server is the foundation for several services running in my home.
I currently use it to host multiple production virtual machines supporting things such as home automation, secure remote access, and network monitoring.
Having my own virtualization environment also gives me room to test new software, experiment with different configurations, and learn without interfering with the services I rely on every day.
Currently used for:
Home automation
Secure remote access
Network monitoring
Testing and experimentation
Learning and training
Home Assistant
Home Assistant
Home Assistant is at the center of my smart-home setup.
Instead of being limited to devices from a single manufacturer, Home Assistant allows me to bring different brands and technologies together in one environment.
That gives me more flexibility to create automations, combine devices from different ecosystems, build scenes, monitor sensors, and experiment with new ways to make the house more useful.
One of the things I enjoy most about Home Assistant is that the system can continue growing as I add new devices and ideas.
I use Home Assistant for things such as:
Smart-home automations
Lighting and scenes
Device integrations
Sensors
Energy monitoring
Bringing multiple smart-home ecosystems together
What Connects to It?
What Connects to It?
Home Assistant is only part of the system. Sensors, smart plugs, Zigbee devices, lighting, and other hardware provide the information and control that make the automations possible.
You can see some of the specific hardware I'm currently using on the My Setup page.
GL.iNet Opal Travel Router
GL.iNet Opal Travel Router
The GL.iNet Opal (GL-SFT1200) is one of the tools I use when traveling.
Instead of connecting every device directly to a hotel or public Wi-Fi network, the travel router allows me to create my own familiar network and then connect that network to the available internet connection.
That makes traveling with multiple devices easier and gives me more control over how those devices connect while away from home.
Its compact size also makes it easy to keep with the rest of my travel technology.
Why I use a travel router:
One familiar Wi-Fi network for my devices
Easier connection of multiple devices while traveling
More control when using public or hotel networks
Compact enough to travel with
OpenWrt-based flexibility for networking
How It All Fits Together
How It All Fits Together
One of the things I enjoy about technology is figuring out how different tools can work together.
At home, the virtualization server provides the infrastructure for services such as Home Assistant, while smart-home devices and sensors provide the information and control that make automations possible.
When I'm away from home, travel technology helps keep my devices connected while still giving me access to many of the systems and services I use regularly.
No single piece of technology does everything. The interesting part is building a system where each tool has a purpose.
What Makes a Tool Worth Using?
What Makes a Tool Worth Using?
I don't choose technology simply because it's new.
The tools I keep using tend to solve a real problem, give me more flexibility, help different systems work together, or provide an opportunity to learn something useful.
When I experiment with new technology, I'm usually asking a few questions.
Does It Solve a Problem?
Does It Solve a Problem?
Technology is most useful when it makes something easier, more reliable, or more capable.
Can It Work With Other Things?
Can It Work With Other Things?
I prefer tools that provide flexibility instead of locking everything into a single ecosystem whenever possible.
Can I Learn From It?
Can I Learn From It?
Sometimes the value of a project is simply understanding something better after building or experimenting with it.
More Tools Coming
More Tools Coming
My technology setup is always evolving.
As I add equipment, try new software, experiment with AI and automation, or find something that becomes a regular part of my workflow, I'll continue adding the tools that are worth sharing here.
Looking for the Hardware?
Looking for the Hardware?
Tools focuses on the platforms, systems, and technology that help power my projects.
If you're looking for the specific devices, equipment, sensors, networking hardware, and other gear I'm currently using, head over to My Setup.
Keep Exploring
Keep Exploring
Want to see what I'm building with this technology?
Explore my Projects & Tech page for smart-home ideas, networking, AI, automation, and future experiments.
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