My Home Lab Is NOT What You Think It Is

Hardware Haven2 minutes read

A content creator is partnering with Squarespace to simplify website creation and is revamping their messy home lab setup by upgrading networking equipment and server hardware for better organization and efficiency. The process involves cleaning and configuring switches, upgrading servers, setting up virtual machines, labeling cables, and utilizing new components for improved functionality.

Insights

  • Transitioning from a messy home lab setup, the individual, in collaboration with Squarespace, aims to enhance their network infrastructure by replacing switches, implementing a rack mount switch, and utilizing a Cable Matters patch panel for organized cabling.
  • Through upgrades like a Gecom Mini ITX 12 server, Tiny Pilot KVM for remote access, and Proxmox PF Sense box for networking, the individual is expanding their capabilities, including the incorporation of a 10 GB switch to boost network performance, all while maintaining a focus on cable organization and efficient operations.

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Recent questions

  • What is the individual planning to revamp?

    Home lab setup

  • What will the individual replace the current switches with?

    24-Port PoE Gigabit switch from TPLink

  • What will be used to organize the cables neatly?

    Cable Matters 24-Port Cat 6 Keystone patch panel

  • What will be upgraded for enhanced flexibility in running virtual machines?

    Mac Mini home server to a Gecom Mini ITX 12

  • What will be utilized for remote access to the server?

    Tiny Pilot KVM

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Summary

00:00

"Revamping Home Lab Setup with Squarespace"

  • The individual, known for creating hardware and home lab videos, plans to revamp their messy home lab setup over the next two days.
  • The individual is partnering with Squarespace, a website-building platform, to simplify the process of creating websites and online stores.
  • The current networking setup involves multiple eight and four-port switches connected through Cat 5 cables, leading to a messy configuration.
  • To streamline the networking setup, the individual will replace the current switches with a 24-Port PoE Gigabit switch from TPLink.
  • A rack mount switch will be accommodated on a shelf in the network closet, with a Cable Matters 24-Port Cat 6 Keystone patch panel to organize the cables neatly.
  • The individual also plans to upgrade their Mac Mini home server to a Gecom Mini ITX 12 for enhanced flexibility in running virtual machines and containers.
  • A Tiny Pilot KVM will be utilized for remote access to the server, alongside the Proxmox PF Sense box for networking tasks.
  • The setup will include a 10 GB switch in a follow-up video, enhancing the network's capabilities.
  • The individual uses a Brady M210 labeler to label all the cables for easy identification and organization.
  • The process involves cleaning and configuring the TP Link switch, upgrading the Mini ITX 12 with additional storage and memory, and setting up Proxmox for virtual machines.

14:42

"Improving Setup with New Components and Upgrades"

  • Found L brackets in the garage to tilt the setup temporarily for better angle.
  • Using 1ft Cat 6a patch cables and 6in white cables for short runs, longer patch cables for grommet runs.
  • Replaced loud TP Link switch with an 8 Port switch for cameras and access points, as PoE did not work on the former.
  • Installed Noctua fans in the switch for quieter operation and adequate airflow.
  • Setup with new components like Synology and Mac Mini, with plans for transferring data to virtual machines or containers on Proxmox server or NAS.
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