Building out a smart home can make almost any gadget look essential, especially when the box promises stronger coverage, fewer dead zones, or easier control. I’ve learned that some networking gear doesn’t actually solve a problem so much as relocate it into a shinier enclosure with more blinking lights. In a house full of connected devices, that kind of mistake gets expensive fast. These are the networking purchases I regret most, not because they never worked, but because they added unnecessary friction.