I’ve been diving into the world of smart home automation, and I must say, it’s been quite an adventure! 
Recently, I faced a unique challenge while trying to set up outdoor lighting for my mother’s house and a nearby guesthouse. The main issue? There’s no internet connection on-site, and the existing wired switches for the outdoor lights were never properly installed. 
I started with some trial and error using Merten wireless switches and later the Busch-Jäger KNX Powernet system. Unfortunately, the KNX system stopped working after some time, leaving me in the dark—literally! 
Enter the Shelly devices. I decided to give them a shot by installing some Shelly 2.5PM units and setting up a WLAN access point. Initially, it seemed promising, especially since one of the Shelly units in the guesthouse worked perfectly despite being behind a reinforced concrete wall. But then came the big letdown—the outdoor Shelly unit for the pathway lighting just wouldn’t connect. 
After spending half a day troubleshooting with an old AirPort Express, I realized the problem was more structural than technical. The electrical box was located under a terrace with a concrete slab, making it nearly impossible for the signal to pass through. That’s when I turned to Homematic IP. 
Homematic IP’s frequency range seemed like the perfect solution for such extreme conditions. Plus, the direct connections without needing a central server 24/7 were a huge plus for me. I started brainstorming about using a 4-way switch for the outdoor lighting and battery-powered switches at the entrance. But I was left wondering about the range in such a tough environment. 
I also considered the cost aspect—Homematic IP devices aren’t exactly budget-friendly, especially the 4-way actuators. And then there’s the question of what to use as a base station. I have a Raspberry Pi lying around, so maybe pairing it with a USB stick could work. Alternatively, the new HCU unit is an option, but it’s quite pricey. 
Has anyone else dealt with similar challenges? I’m really curious to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have for ensuring reliable connectivity in such tough conditions. Let’s discuss and find the best way to light up those pathways! 