When to Build Your Own Server (and When Not To)
Server builds need ECC memory, RAID, and your ability to debug at 2am. Learn what workloads justify building versus renting or buying pre-built.
Tag: Home network setup
VLAN Tagging for Homelabs: 802.1Q Setup Guide
Segment your homelab network with VLAN tagging using 802.1Q. Learn switch configuration, trunk setup, and firewall rules to isolate IoT and untrusted devices.
5 Best PoE Switches for Home Labs: TP-Link Tops Our Picks
TP-Link SG2210XMP-M2 leads our tested PoE switches for homelabs, offering 2.5G ports and 10G uplinks. Compare fanless options with real PoE budgets.
A Clean OpenWrt VM Design for Proxmox VLANs
Separate firmware, virtual hardware, and VLAN decisions to build a reliable OpenWrt router VM on Proxmox, with OVMF, virtio NICs, bridges, and trunks.
Build OpenWrt Access Points Without Wireless Mesh
Ethernet backhaul turns OpenWrt mesh nodes into simple access points; this guide covers bridges, VLANs, roaming, DHCP, and checks to avoid loops.
How Nlbwmon Maps OpenWrt Traffic to Devices
luci-app-nlbwmon attributes OpenWrt traffic to IP and MAC addresses, explains apk versus opkg installs, and helps troubleshoot missing or misleading totals.
Debian Stable and Proxmox VE: Best Linux Distro for Home Lab
Debian stable on bare metal with Proxmox VE hypervisor beats rolling releases for home labs. Learn why boring, predictable infrastructure matters for stability.