Why Raspberry Pi ?
About a year ago I received an Raspberry Pi model 2b to learn programming. It’s a small “computer” with a lot of interfaces. Not only network, usb and also GPIO etc.
But instead I used the Raspberry Pi to track my solar panels with MRTG and I created a script that disabled my Access Points when nobody was at home. (To save energy. Why have your AP up and running when nobody is using it ?)
Samba server.
Because there were 4 USB connections at the RP, I connected my smart meter and an external HDD. The setup of a Samba server is very easy. A good link is : Samba-Deploying
But….. the network connection on the model 2b is only 100/10 mbit.. This is slooooowwwww !!! So I bought an 1000 mbit USB ethernet cable for Euro 1.83. Of course I can’t get the full 1000 mbit, but at least its fast !