I've wanted to build this for my garage door for a while. I'm always paranoid that I left it open.

Wish I didn't have to rely on the internet being up, though...

Kind of like Brad Fitzpatrick's Android proximity garage door opener? http://brad.livejournal.com/2394220.html

If you want a more slick package there are devices made just for this. Here's a Bluetooth lock controller for example: http://www.smarthome.com/70470/ECKey-EK2-Bluetooth-enabled-V...

Sure, but that's much less fun. (and this router is currently only $60 shipped from Newegg -- that, plus maybe $10 worth of Radioshack components).

Why hack up an entire router? Surely there is a better solution for a networked light switch.

There's probably a more elegant solution, but I doubt there's a cheaper one (at such a low quantity)

... and if the power goes out?

Then the lab wouldn't be too useful anyway and the existing keycard system would also be up a creek.

This is great. I need to get this!

Love it.