Homelab

The lab started with a desire to simply improve the security, privacy, and performance of my home network. There were few services needed; if I needed much more than a couple of Pi-Holes then I would be surprised.

And surprised I was. Adding two Pi-Holes to my home network quickly snowballed into replacing the router with an OPNSense install and providing a stable media library for my family. After the family’s entertainment needs were met, I realized I had the resources left over to continue my networking and security education. Suricata added to OPNSense. Windows Server 2019 as a VM on ESXi. Docker, Metasploit, Ubuntu…all established residences on my machines. 

As someone who learns best by doing, I cannot think of a better use of my time than puttering and practicing with my lab!

 

Equipment list:

24-port patch panel

Juniper EX-3300 switch

Dell R210 II – OPNSense

Dell R210 II – ESXi: two Ubuntu instances running Pi-Hole; Windows Server 2019

Naim Nait 5i integrated stereo amplifier

Oppo BDP-93 transport

Schiit Audio Modi multibit DAC; Motorola modem, ProJect phono amp (not shown: Motorola MoCA, TP-Link Omada OC-200 controller)

Centennial – “Battlestation”, gaming rig, daily driver

Cluster – NAS and Plex Media Server. Multiple lightweight Linux VMs and containers on an isolated VLAN.

 

(Yes, the rack pulls double-duty for my audio gear! Beyerdynamic T1 headphones, ProJect Carbon DC turntable with acrylic platter and Ortofon Bronze cartridge, and a (heavily-modified) Bottlehead Crack headphone amplifier. Not shown: Martin Logan 35XT speakers with Sunfire Junior subwoofer. Perfect volume and imaging for my office/listening room!)