Cost estimate shelter-based security system¶
Shelter server (Ubuntu 22.04)¶
Refurbished desktop or mini PC
Specs: ≥8 GB RAM, 4+ CPU cores, 100+ GB SSD
Cost: €350–€585
Optional upgrades:
RAM (16 GB total): +€60
SSD (500 GB): +€70
Subtotal hardware: €350–€585 (add €130 for upgrades)
Networking & storage¶
Unmanaged switch (8‑port): €35
Cabling and Wi‑Fi AP: €25
USB HDD (1 TB): €60
Subtotal networking: €120
Optional PiRogue scanner (Raspberry Pi)¶
Raspberry Pi 4 (4 GB kit): €95
Wi‑Fi USB adapter / extras: €25
Subtotal PiRogue: €120
Software & tools (free)¶
Ubuntu, Wazuh, Elasticsearch, Termux, adb, OpenSSH, idevice tools — €0
Labour & setup¶
If using paid staff (~€45/hour): Setup & testing (12 hours): €540
If volunteer-based: €0
Maintenance & buffer¶
Yearly hardware/software buffer: €120
Annual staff time (~10 hours): €450
Contingency (10%): ~€65–€160
Summary for year 1¶
Category |
Low (Volunteer) |
High (Paid + Extras) |
|---|---|---|
Server hardware |
€350 |
€715 |
Networking & storage |
€120 |
€120 |
PiRogue (optional) |
€0 |
€120 |
Software |
€0 |
€0 |
Setup labour |
€0 |
€540 |
Maintenance & buffer |
€120 |
€160 |
Total (approx) |
€590 |
€1,655 |
Year 2+ running costs (estimated)¶
Item |
Annual cost |
|---|---|
Hardware buffer |
€120 |
Paid support time |
€450 |
Total per year |
€570 |
Notes¶
Minimum cost (~€590) assumes volunteer time and donated equipment.
Full-featured cost (~€1,655) includes upgrades, PiRogue, and staff time.
Internet access, physical locks, and power costs are not included.
If you’re setting up multiple sites, shared services (like a central SIEM) could reduce the per-site cost significantly.