Try adding a HDMI dummy plug. Older Intel NUC’s (8th gen and earlier) have an issue that’s fixed (but always seems to come back…) where they don’t like functioning headlessly (without a display connected.)

Edit: Also, make sure your BIOS is uptodate.

Looks pretty cool. I’ll have to spin up a VM to give it a try.

Intel integrated graphics is pretty phenomenal for ~5 user HTPC setups and NUC’s are basically the best Intel products ever. Nothing better than it just working out of the box.

Any Intel NUC(the small 4x4 ones) 8th gen or forward will fit the bill.

That’s a cleaver solution to a problem that brings lots of quality of life benefits to your job. Kudos!

This actually is maybe the most legitimate usage of a travel router that I’ve ever heard.

If I ever find myself planning to go on a cruise (highly unlikely), I’ll be purchasing a travel router.

I just have wireguard setup on my different systems (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.). Just flip it on/off as needed…

Honestly, I guess I loath the idea of carrying another electronic device…

What’s the usage scenario for a portable router? I’ve never really understood the benefits of one.

That product will never exist as there are only a handful of customers who would want it and even less who would pay for it.

Also, lookup the MTBF reports. It’s more likely that all your Client systems will fail before a switch does.

I’m mildly aligned with your main point OP. Rpi’s have a place and are amazing at many things, but over sold on lots of ‘server’ usages. For the typical homelabber, it’s a hobby so not a big deal that this hardware they likely already have (Rpi) isn’t the best.

However, this point about energy usage means you have either a large energy bill and can’t see the margin increase OR those 11 systems are mostly idle and you simply don’t need all of them running.

More expensive yes, but insane warenty, highest quality, follows specs and actually rated for 24/7 operation

Crazy that nobody pointed you to a bulletproof Intel NUC.