Smart Home & Security
Network & WiFi Overview
This is a simplified overview for non-technical family members. For detailed technical documentation, see the "2 - Network Info" and "3 - Computers / Servers" books on the "Current Info" shelf.
WiFi Networks
| Network Name (SSID) | Password | What It's For |
|---|---|---|
| [Main WiFi name] | [Password or "see password manager"] | Phones, laptops, tablets |
| [IoT / Smart Home WiFi] | [Password] | Smart devices, cameras |
| [Guest WiFi] | [Password] | Visitors |
Internet Service
| Provider | [ISP name] |
| Speed / Plan | [e.g., 1 Gbps fiber] |
| Modem Location | [Where the internet enters the house] |
| Router Location | [Where the main router/access point is] |
If the Internet Goes Down
- Check if other devices also lost connectivity (if just one device, restart that device)
- Look at the router/modem — are the lights normal?
- Unplug the modem, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. Wait 2-3 minutes.
- If still down, call the ISP: [ISP phone number]
Network Equipment Location
[e.g., "The server rack is in the office closet. The main switch and router are on the top shelf. The modem is on the second shelf." Include enough detail that someone could find and point to the equipment.]
Smart Home Devices & Hubs
For detailed device info, also see the "Smart Home" book on the Current Info shelf.
Smart Home Platform
| Primary Platform | [e.g., Home Assistant, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings] |
| Hub Location | [Where is the hub/server physically?] |
| How to Access | [e.g., App on phone, web interface at http://x.x.x.x] |
Key Smart Devices
| Device Type | Brand | Location(s) | How to Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermostat | [Brand] | [Location] | [App / voice / wall unit] |
| Smart Locks | [Brand] | [Which doors] | [App / keypad code] |
| Smart Lights | [Brand] | [Areas] | [App / switches still work normally] |
| Smart Speakers | [Brand] | [Rooms] | [Voice commands] |
| Smart Garage Door | [Brand] | [Location] | [App / wall button] |
| Robot Vacuum | [Brand] | [Area it cleans] | [App / schedule] |
Day-to-Day Use
[Explain what's automated vs. what needs manual interaction. e.g., "Lights turn on/off on schedule. Thermostat adjusts automatically. Garage door can be opened from the app. The physical light switches still work — flipping them doesn't break anything."]
If Something Stops Working
Most smart home glitches fix themselves with a restart. If a device stops responding, unplug it for 10 seconds and plug it back in. If the entire smart home system seems down, check if the hub/server is running (see location above).
Security System & Cameras
Alarm System
| Company | [e.g., ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, self-monitored] |
| Account Number | [Account #] |
| Monthly Cost | [Amount, or N/A if self-monitored] |
| Monitoring Phone | [Phone number] |
| Alarm Code | [Code or "see password manager"] |
| Panel Location | [Where the keypad/panel is] |
How to Arm / Disarm
[Step-by-step instructions for arming and disarming — both at the panel and via app]
Cameras
| Camera | Location | Brand / Type | How to View |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Camera 1] | [e.g., Front porch] | [Brand] | [App name or web URL] |
| [Camera 2] | [e.g., Backyard] | [Brand] | [App name or web URL] |
| [Camera 3] | [e.g., Garage] | [Brand] | [App name or web URL] |
Camera Recording
[Where are recordings stored — cloud, NVR, NAS? How long are they kept? How to review footage.]
Smart Locks
[If not covered in Smart Home Devices, add door lock codes and how to change them here.]