My Homelab Setup

This post is a work in progress, as I’m constantly changing and upgrading parts.

Here’s the basic layout I’m intending on using once my home network upgrade is finally done. Two separate wireless networks keeps all the mobile devices in an isolated environment, while also letting me use groups within PiHole to block mobile specific ads.

Server

Drive Configuration

Router

I started a custom router project mainly as a way to learn more about networking. I started researching the topic a few months ago, and within the last couple weeks I started my build using a few spare parts I had laying around. A few parts, such as the network adapter, I had to purchase specifically for the project, but it was worth it.

The only downside to this board is the lack of IPMI, but it’s not a make or break situation for me.

Currently, the routing is as follows: The uplink and wireless accesspoint use the two onboard ports, while my desktop PC, server and RPI use the 3 of the 4 adapter ports. The 4th port goes to an unmanaged switch, feeding a printer and a few gaming devices.

Network Devices

I’m still testing out different modems– I got a great deal on my current model, the CODA-45. The chipset used for this particular model isn’t exactly praised, so I may be switching over to a TC4400 in the future.

Power

I plan on upgrading to a rack mounted UPS in the near future, but my current configuration seems to work just fine.