SonnyBever

Smart Home Simulator – Build & User Guides
IoT Training Platform / Demo Wall System

Smart Home Simulator Guides + Labs

Complete build documentation, field operation guide, and student lab library for the IoT Smart Home Demo Wall, from raw lumber to classroom-ready simulator exercises.

11 Build Resources
01 User Guide
08 Student Labs
20 Total Resources
3D illustration of connected smart home simulator devices
Connected Smart Home Simulator
Smart devices Auto-rotating project images
Walkthrough Video
Build & demo walkthrough YouTube — Sonny Bever
Build Sequence – Phases 01-10
Recommended first download
Master Build Guide

Complete start-to-finish build manual for the IoT Smart Home Simulator, combining all 10 build phases into one printable reference for full builds, rebuilds, and instructor prep.

All 10 phases Printable reference Build order Materials overview Instructor prep
Master Guide Open Master PDF
01 Phase 01
Build the Frame
2×4 lumber Miter cuts 1/2″ drywall Table saw
Construct the simulator frame, support structure, and base layout used for the demo wall.
02 Phase 02
Cut and Install Plug and Light Boxes
Outlet box Keystone box Light boxes Drywall cuts
Mock up, cut, and mount the outlet box, keystone box, and round light boxes.
03 Phase 03
Wire the Plug, Light Sockets, and Power Strip
Romex Plug adapter Light sockets Velcro mount
Wire the plug adapter, single outlet, two light sockets, and secure the power strip with Velcro.
04 Phase 04
Mount Router, Patch Panel, and CAT Cable
Router Patch panel Keystone jacks RJ45 Punch down
Install router, patch panel, keystone jacks, RJ45 ends, punch downs, and patch cables.
05 Phase 05
Configure the Router for IoT Smart Home
Firmware update SSID config DHCP IoT VLAN
Reset, update firmware, configure SSIDs, confirm DHCP, and prepare the router for simulator devices.
06 Phase 06
Add Alexa Show and Device Apps
Echo Show 5 Alexa account Device apps App tracking
Set up Echo Show 5, Alexa account, third-party apps, and device account tracking.
07 Phase 07
Build the HVAC Simulator
24V AC Project box LEDs Power supply Thermostat wiring
Build and install the 24V AC HVAC simulator project box, LEDs, power supply, and smart thermostat wiring.
08 Phase 08
Configure Smart Thermostat and Devices
Thermostat Smart lights Doorbell cam Alexa integration
Configure the thermostat, lights, doorbell camera, Alexa integration, and final device checks.
09 Phase 09
Build Routines and Demo Scenarios
Alexa routines Demo scripts Reset steps Student guide
Create Alexa routines, repeatable demo scenarios, reset steps, and student demo scripts.
10 Phase 10
Harden the Router and Network
Router security ACL planning DHCP inventory Validation testing
Secure the router, SSIDs, DHCP inventory, ACL planning, validation testing, and troubleshooting.
Field Operation
Exercise Library – Coming Next

Use these slots for future student lab PDFs, answer keys, worksheets, and instructor notes. The library now includes smart-home operation labs plus cabling diagnostics, repair, replacement, and cable-building exercises.

Lab 01 Draft slot
Device Discovery and Pairing
Students identify simulator devices, join the IoT network, and verify each device appears in the control app.
MaterialsRouter / smart devices
Time30-45 min
Filesstudent + instructor
Add Lab PDF Later
Lab 02 Draft slot
Automation Routine Build
Students create a repeatable smart-home routine using a trigger, action, test condition, and reset step.
MaterialsAlexa / lights / sensor
Time45-60 min
Filesworksheet + rubric
Add Lab PDF Later
Lab 03 Draft slot
HVAC Simulator Test
Students trace thermostat wiring, trigger heat/cool/fan states, and document expected LED behavior.
MaterialsThermostat / HVAC box
Time45 min
Fileslab + answer key
Add Lab PDF Later
Lab 04 Draft slot
Network Hardening Challenge
Students review SSIDs, DHCP inventory, passwords, and access rules, then propose a secure demo configuration.
MaterialsRouter / device list
Time60 min
Fileschallenge + rubric
Add Lab PDF Later
Lab 05 Cabling slot
Build a New Ethernet Cable
Students cut cable to length, strip the jacket, arrange conductors to T568B, crimp RJ45 ends, and label the finished cable.
MaterialsCAT cable / RJ45 / crimper
Time45-60 min
Skillsmeasure / strip / crimp
Add Lab PDF Later
Lab 06 Cabling slot
Cable Tester Diagnostics
Students use a cable tester to identify opens, shorts, split pairs, reversed pairs, and incorrect pin order.
MaterialsCable tester / fault samples
Time30-45 min
Skillsread tester / document fault
Add Lab PDF Later
Lab 07 Cabling slot
Repair a Bad Termination
Students inspect a failed RJ45 termination, remove the bad end, re-terminate the cable, and confirm it passes testing.
MaterialsBad cable / RJ45 / tester
Time45 min
Skillsinspect / repair / retest
Add Lab PDF Later
Lab 08 Cabling slot
Replace a Cable Run
Students trace a failed cable path, replace the run between the wall device and patch panel, then verify link lights and connectivity.
MaterialsPatch panel / router / cable
Time60-75 min
Skillstrace / replace / validate
Add Lab PDF Later