PiNetzwerke

PiNetzwerke is a term used in German-language technical communities to describe computer networks built primarily around Raspberry Pi single-board computers. The name combines the Pi reference with Netzwerke, the German word for networks. The concept emphasizes low-cost, modular, and energy-efficient networks suitable for education, experimentation, and small-scale deployments.

Typical deployments include home labs, classroom labs, IoT gateways, sensor networks, and edge computing nodes. Networks may be designed as a stand-alone LAN, a remote-access hub, or part of a larger campus infrastructure, and often rely on headless operation with remote management via SSH.

Hardware and software stacking: Each node uses a Raspberry Pi board (models B or newer) with a microSD card booting a Linux-based operating system such as Raspberry Pi OS. Nodes connect over Ethernet or Wi-Fi; optional accessories include USB storage, power supplies, and HATs for sensors. A central server or central management node can provide services such as file sharing, DNS/DHCP, or containerized applications; open-source tools and standard Linux networking utilities are commonly employed.

Benefits include low upfront cost, energy efficiency, and ease of replication; challenges include limited performance for large-scale workloads, maintenance across devices, and security management in diverse devices.

The concept is closely associated with educational technology, maker communities, and open hardware/software projects; it intersects with broader topics such as home networks, IoT, and networked sensing.