cross-posted from: https://aussie.zone/post/19637893
Wifi networks and home automation systems are expected to last 50+ years.
I was reading up on the life expectancy of different building materials when I came across this gem.
Screenshot is of page 122 https://www.portseattle.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/SEA-SIPP%20Technical%20Report%20Appendix%20C%20Life%20Expectancy%20of%20Building%20Materials.pdf
I guess the ethernet cables could last that long, but they rate house wiring to a lower lifetime. Ethernet cables are not "wireless", however.
The only other wireless systems I can think of are garage door openers, but they are definitely not expected to last 50 years.
The processors inside every single device we have in our homes today will no longer be manufactured in 10 years.
In 20 years, few will know how to build the firmware for them or how to fix them.
As time goes on, those numbers could drop to 5 and 10 years.
The processor used in Commodore 64 and Apple I etc. is still in production today even if it's 50+ years old.
Outliers aren't rule-makers. They have die-hard fan appreciation and a sort of legendary status.
Unless there is some new revolutionary tech, things like the ESP32 have no driving factor to become obsolete.
If you are relying on BT/WiFi/LoRa then there is a possibility of RF frequency regulations changing.
But it is already an overpowered device for the majority of its applications and it's cheap