HomeLab Hardware Tour! (Late 2023)
Techno Tim・26 minutes read
The individual made various changes to their home lab setup, including upgrading networking equipment, showcasing server rooms, and setting up a Kubernetes cluster to save power efficiently. They also plan to expand the mini NCK cluster and transition from virtualization to bare metal for storage while preparing to move servers to colocation for self-hosted cloud services.
Insights
- The individual has made significant upgrades to their home lab in 2023, including networking improvements, server enhancements, and data migration processes, showcasing a commitment to maintaining and optimizing their tech infrastructure.
- Acknowledging and expressing gratitude to their online community members, the individual highlights the importance of support from platforms like YouTube, Patreon, Twitch, and Discord, emphasizing the value of community backing in enabling and sustaining such technological endeavors.
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Recent questions
What changes were made to the home lab in 2023?
In 2023, changes to the home lab included networking, cabling, power, storage upgrades, server modifications, and decommissioning some servers. These adjustments were made to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the lab setup.
What devices are showcased on the wall setup?
The wall setup includes various devices such as a Phillips Hue Hub, Raspberry Pi running Nut server, UniFi Flex switch, Raspberry Pi Zero for wake-on-LAN and backup Pi-hole, HDHomeRun Flex 4K for TV tuning, and LTE filters for interference. These devices play different roles in the network and contribute to the overall functionality of the setup.
What is the purpose of the Kubernetes cluster with three nodes?
The Kubernetes cluster with three nodes was set up to save power while efficiently hosting virtual machines. By consolidating the virtual machines onto this cluster, the individual can optimize power consumption and streamline the management of the servers, leading to more efficient operations.
How is the network backbone established in the server rack?
The network backbone in the server rack is established through the UniFi switch aggregation Pro with 10 gig links, which connects to storage and hl5 devices. This setup ensures a robust and high-speed network connection across all devices in the rack, enhancing data transfer speeds and overall network performance.
What are the plans for data migration and storage expansion?
The individual is currently engaged in a data migration process, involving moving data between servers and expanding storage capacity. Additionally, there are plans to repurpose a server into a primary NAS and storage unit, transitioning from virtualization to bare metal. These initiatives aim to optimize data management and storage capabilities within the home lab setup.
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Summary
00:00
"2023 Home Lab Upgrades and Server Room"
- Changes made to the home lab in 2023 include networking, cabling, power, storage, servers, and decommissioning some servers.
- A thank you is extended to YouTube members, Patreon members, Twitch subscribers, and Discord Community for their support.
- The server room is showcased, with a festive touch of a Christmas tree on top.
- The wall setup includes network cables, a patch panel, and a fiber modem for internet connectivity.
- Devices on the wall include a Phillips Hue Hub, Raspberry Pi running Nut server, UniFi Flex switch, Raspberry Pi Zero for wake-on-LAN and backup Pi-hole, HDHomeRun Flex 4K for TV tuning, and LTE filters for interference.
- UPS powers devices on the wall, ensuring a couple of hours of runtime.
- The server rack features a progression from a 24 Port switch to a 48 Port switch, then to a 48 Port Enterprise switch for 2.5 Gbit across all devices.
- The UniFi switch aggregation Pro with 10 gig links is connected to storage and hl5 devices, providing a network backbone.
- The UDM Pro serves as the gateway, running UniFi Protect and network controller, with an uplink to the switch aggregation Pro.
- The PDU Pro allows management and toggling of devices, with USBC power support, and UPS powers the network equipment for backup during power outages.
13:21
Efficient Kubernetes Cluster Setup and Expansion
- The individual has set up a Kubernetes cluster with three nodes using three servers, aiming to save power.
- The servers hosting the virtual machines were migrated to the Kubernetes cluster, which has been running efficiently.
- The Kubernetes cluster is housed within a mini NCK cluster, with plans to potentially expand with three more mini servers.
- A data migration process is ongoing, involving moving data between servers and expanding storage capacity.
- The individual plans to repurpose a server into a primary NAS and storage unit, transitioning from virtualization to bare metal.
- A UPS system is in place, providing over an hour of power backup during high-power consumption periods.
- The individual showcases the back of the rack setup, detailing cable management and network devices connected.
- Plans are in place to move servers to colocation, preparing for a series on self-hosted cloud services.
