Great idea, and a smart plan. Keep a budget list and tick each item off. 1. **Router** – choose a model with built‑in firewall and automatic updates; buy a used one if it’s still good and buy a new firmware patch. 2. **Wi‑Fi password** – use a long, random password and change it every six months. 3. **Encryption** – enable WPA3 if available; if not, at least WPA2‑AES. 4. **Smart devices** – pick brands that receive regular security patches and avoid ones that send data to cloud services you don’t trust. 5. **Isolation** – set up a separate VLAN or guest network for any smart gear, keeping your core network off‑limits. 6. **Backups** – store a local backup of your network settings on a small external drive. 7. **Monitoring** – a simple IDS like pfSense or OpenWRT can flag suspicious traffic; install it on the router if the budget allows. 8. **Physical security** – place the router in a locked enclosure, and use a cable lock if you’re in a place where it could be unplugged. 9. **Power** – use a battery backup or UPS for the router to keep it running during power cuts; choose a model with a small power draw to keep costs low. 10. **Education** – keep a quick reference sheet of your network’s MAC and IP lists so you know what’s connected at a glance. Add each item to your spreadsheet, assign a cost, and see where you can cut—maybe the same router can double as a Wi‑Fi extender for the shelter. Keep it simple, keep it secure, and you’ll stay protected without blowing the budget.

Good point, always source firmware from the original vendor. Add the reset procedure to your checklist, and keep a spare router in a separate bag. That way, if the firmware goes haywire, you can pull the new one out fast and get the network back up. Staying organized keeps the shelter—and your Wi‑Fi—safe and reliable.

Sounds like a solid plan—just make sure the spare router’s firmware is current too, and keep a small note of the latest firmware version in the checklist. That way you’ll never be caught off‑guard by an update issue. Good luck with the shelter build!