Learn it. Plan it.
Build it better.
Explore training, equipment packages, practical design tools, and professional services created to help homeowners, builders, and businesses complete technology projects with more confidence and fewer expensive mistakes.
Learn
Build the knowledge to understand, plan, install, and manage your own connected-home technology.
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Learn
Build the knowledge to understand, plan, install, and manage your own connected-home technology.
Training built around real projects—not abstract theory.
HGS courses are designed for homeowners and capable DIYers. Start with networking fundamentals, then move into planning, installation, configuration, cameras, audio, lighting, and automation as the course library grows.
Networking Basics is the first course in the HGS training path. Advanced courses can be added without rebuilding this page.
Networking Basics
Understand how your home network works, diagnose weak Wi-Fi, and choose the right upgrade path.
- Seven practical learning modules
- Approximately two hours of guided content
- Downloadable assessments and worksheets
- Router, mesh, access point, Ethernet, and PoE fundamentals
Network Planning & Design
Learn how to plan access points, Ethernet drops, rack locations, PoE capacity, and equipment packages.
- Floor-plan based planning
- Access-point placement
- Switch and PoE sizing
- Equipment and budget development
DIY Network Installation
Learn how to run, terminate, label, test, mount, and document a complete home network.
- Cable pathways and drilling
- Cat6 termination and testing
- Rack construction
- Access-point and device installation
UniFi Configuration & Optimization
Configure gateways, switches, wireless networks, guest access, IoT segmentation, cameras, and backups.
- Initial adoption and setup
- SSID and VLAN planning
- Guest and IoT networks
- Optimization and troubleshooting
DIY Camera Systems
Plan camera coverage, choose local or cloud storage, run PoE, and configure useful detections.
- Placement and coverage
- Camera and recorder selection
- Storage planning
- Installation and closeout
Smart Lighting & Automation
Understand switches, bulbs, hubs, Matter, Thread, scenes, and reliable whole-home control.
- Smart bulbs versus switches
- Platform selection
- Scenes and routines
- Planning for new construction
Shop
Buy complete solutions instead of piecing together equipment one item at a time.
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Shop
Buy complete solutions instead of piecing together equipment one item at a time.
Curated equipment packages designed around real use cases.
The HGS Shop can begin with curated equipment lists and affiliate-supported starter kits, then grow into HGS-supplied cable, assembled packages, and prefabricated network racks as demand is proven.
Start with non-inventory affiliate kits and digital equipment lists. Add physical products only after shipping, warranty, tax, support, and return processes are ready.
Small Home Wi-Fi Kit
A complete starter package for a smaller home with one or two access points and a modest wired-device count.
- Gateway or router recommendation
- Switch and access points
- Patch cables and basic accessories
- Simple connection diagram
Large Home Network Kit
A larger package for multiple access points, cameras, smart-home devices, and higher switching capacity.
- Gateway and managed switching
- Multiple wired access points
- PoE budget guidance
- Rack and UPS recommendations
Camera System Starter Kit
A practical starting package for homeowners who want wired cameras, local storage, and room to expand.
- Camera and recorder options
- PoE switch sizing
- Storage guidance
- Cable and mounting accessories
Precut & Terminated Network Cable
Tested, labeled, ready-to-install cable assemblies in common residential lengths.
- Common lengths from short patch cables to long runs
- Tested terminations
- Custom labels and color options
- Project-specific cable schedules
Prefabricated Network Racks
Preassembled rack packages with patch panels, switching, gateways, UPS equipment, labeling, and documentation.
- Small, medium, and large rack packages
- Equipment mounted and labeled
- Patch and power management
- Optional configuration services
Planning Templates & Downloads
Purchase standalone worksheets, checklists, schedules, diagrams, and planning packages.
- Network inventory templates
- Prewire checklists
- Camera placement worksheets
- Rack and equipment schedules
Tools
Use calculators, templates, and future software to turn project information into a clear plan.
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Tools
Use calculators, templates, and future software to turn project information into a clear plan.
Tools that help users make the right decisions before purchasing equipment.
This category can include free lead-generation calculators, paid planning tools, downloadable reports, and eventually the HGS Design Assistant.
Software and calculators are harder to copy than articles alone. They can also recommend HGS services, courses, downloads, and affiliate products.
HGS Network Design Assistant
Enter the home size, floors, construction, device count, internet service, and project goals to generate a starting network plan.
- Recommended access-point quantity
- Ethernet-drop schedule
- Switch and PoE sizing
- Equipment list and budget range
Wi-Fi Coverage Estimator
Estimate how many access points a home may need based on size, floors, wall types, and coverage goals.
- Square footage and floor count
- Construction-material adjustment
- Indoor and outdoor coverage goals
- Mesh versus wired guidance
PoE Budget Calculator
Estimate the switch power required for access points, cameras, phones, displays, and other PoE devices.
- Device-by-device wattage
- PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ guidance
- Reserve-capacity recommendation
- Switch-sizing output
NVR Storage Calculator
Estimate storage based on camera count, resolution, bitrate, frame rate, recording mode, and retention period.
- Camera count and resolution
- Continuous or event recording
- Retention-day planning
- Storage recommendation
Rack Layout Planner
Build a simple front-view rack layout and reserve space for gateways, patch panels, switches, shelves, UPS units, NVRs, and future expansion.
- Rack-unit planning
- Power and ventilation notes
- Future-space allowance
- Printable layout report
Project Planning Templates
Printable and spreadsheet-based tools for users who prefer to plan manually.
- Floor-plan markups
- Cable schedules
- Equipment inventories
- Maintenance and warranty logs
Services
Get professional help when the project needs review, custom design, coordination, or installation.
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Services
Get professional help when the project needs review, custom design, coordination, or installation.
Choose how much professional involvement your project needs.
Some customers need a second opinion. Others need a complete design, builder coordination, or local installation. The Marketplace should make those options clear.
Plan reviews and custom designs can serve customers remotely. Physical installation remains focused on HGS's Southeast Wisconsin service area.
HGS Network Plan Review
Upload your floor plan, equipment list, and proposed layout for professional feedback before purchasing or installing.
- Review of access-point locations
- Equipment and PoE feedback
- Rack and cable-plan comments
- Written recommendations
Custom Home Network Design
HGS develops the recommended access-point layout, cable schedule, rack concept, equipment list, and project budget.
- Floor-plan based network design
- Access-point and device locations
- Equipment package and rack layout
- Installation notes and documentation
Technology Planning Session
Meet with HGS to discuss networking, security, audio, smart lighting, automation, or new-construction technology decisions.
- One-on-one project discussion
- Platform and equipment guidance
- Budget and phasing advice
- Next-step recommendations
New Construction Technology Planning
Coordinate network, camera, audio, lighting, and future-technology infrastructure before drywall.
- Low-voltage plan review
- Cable and conduit schedules
- Builder and trade coordination
- Budget and scope development
HGS Professional Installation
Local design, cabling, equipment installation, rack work, cameras, Wi-Fi, audio, lighting, and system closeout.
- Residential and commercial installation
- Structured cabling and racks
- Wi-Fi and security systems
- Documentation and support
Commercial Technology Design
Technology planning for restaurants, offices, retail spaces, fitness facilities, hospitality, and multi-site businesses.
- Commercial Wi-Fi and cabling
- Security and access coordination
- Audio and technology infrastructure
- General-contractor coordination
Choose the path that fits your project.
Learn the fundamentals, buy a complete solution, use a planning tool, or bring in HGS for professional guidance. The Marketplace is designed to support every stage—from the first question to the finished installation.