There's also Modbus and many other protocols, but the biggest challenge is that aside from KNX and 1Wire, most are built either for building automations, or for industrial automations. The first means you can only buy things in huge bulk, and the second means both bulk and usually large/ugly switches/DIN rail solutions.
Best ones are typically some sort of hybrid like KNX/Modbus where the actual standard between switches/fans/etc to controllers is their own protocol, and from controllers to the main hub via Ethernet/wireless/any other standard easier for computers to work with.
1. I consider myself pretty technical, and I can configure/flash stuff as I want to as well, so technical challenge, at least the software side, shouldn't be much of an issue. Still, I'd like to go with some trusted solution since I want the home automation to be "set up and forget it" for a long time.
2. Yep
3. Preferably lights controlled via relays and ones that can be programmed for fun via code/PLC
4. Not very big, each floor should require 2 WiFi AP at minimum to have the whole house covered. Typical 2 storeyed house.
5. Not sure what you mean...
I will have more than 80 switches overall, 12ish fans, preferably a thermostat as well, for ACing the whole house
6. Budget shouldn't be a concern for now, but a limit of 10 lakhs should be good enough, I think?
7, 8. No idea, nobody I asked did wired home automation at all. Most are either going with Shelly, Phillips, or some local brands which sucks.
9. If avoidable, please no cloud. If not avoidable, there should at least be a way for the device to work without cloud. I'll just keep it permanently disconnected. I do need support for Home Assistant though.
10, 11, 12. Each room has enough space, I think. This can be changed, so shouldn't be an issue.
I'm just exploring for now. My plan is to just have CAT6 or Fiber cables running to every part of the house, and figure out the rest later.
