Try deluge, it’s been pretty bulletproof for me once configured.

If it’s the WiFi that’s crapping out, get a ubiquiti UniFi 6+ access point. It will handle up to 300 devices for $130. You will need to by the POE adapter for it but it’s ~$15.

I love my ER3 lite and ER-X. I was totally surprised when they came out with a new firmware for it. It’s still beta but it was a relief to know they haven’t abandoned their edge routers.

You could buy a pfsense capable mini-pc ~$200. It will give you, 1 wan port and 2 or 3 lan ports or repurpose an old desktop by updating it with a dual network card. The pfsense mini pc will use a lot less power long term. Then use your routers in access point mode, one for your IOT on 2.4ghz and one on 5ghz for the other stuff. You can set up the firewall to prevent the iot network on the second lan from seeing anything on the primary lan but still have full access to devices from the primary to the IOT network.

Easier solution is what was already suggested is by using vlans with one router and the setup the second router in access point mode for the IOT

All drives will ultimately fail, could be 10years, could be 10mins. If you don’t want to lose your data, back it up. Have a storage drive and a backup drive. Don’t both connected them to the router. Use an alternative method to connect , like to a computer and have run a backup protocol on a regular basis. As for 2.5 over 3.5, the 3.5 are usually faster but it probably doesn’t matter reliability wise.

I would second the bad disk. I thought bad permission but since since it seems intermittent, the bad disk is the better guess. It would be good to get more info like what’s it running on, is it an array, etc.

Y’a, it’s a total pain in the butt. Angled pliers do work best. Good luck with your fillings. Also having the iMac laying down on the workbench helps.

if the water damaged mac doesn’t turn on, the target made with a thunderbolt cable won’t work. You will have to take out the SSD. For your Mac, you will need a specific drive enclosure to match the SSD. You will also need 2 screwdrivers, a torx5 and a pentalobe for opening the bottom case. Check out owc/max sales. They have the enclosure and the screwdriver kit.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MAU3ENVOYPRO/

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TOOLKITMBA/

If the drive is encrypted, when it mounts on the functioning mac, you will get a prompt for the user name and password for the main account of your partner’s laptop.

You may be able order the cable off eBay. Some of the cables have a connector on each end which means you can replace it. If you damaged the connector on the logic board side you are a bit more screwed as that will mean a board replacement. Don’t spend money on new screws, just use needle nose pliers to hold the screw while you screw it in.