Project Background

Coming to this doc site, you might find yourself asking, "Why a home server?" and "Why not a cloud service?" The truth is, I initially started this project as a way for me to learn new technologies, tools, and systems. Since that time, the project scope has grown---up to and including this separate documentation project.

"Why a home server?"

To learn…​

  • Linux system administration

  • Network infrastructure and security

  • File system optimization, structure, and archival processes

  • Data management, redundancies, and backups

  • Home automation and the IOT landscape

  • Docs-as-code methodology

Essentially, to regain control over my data where I can, and to provide a "hub" that I can access securely from anywhere.

So far it has been an interesting challenge and provided me a lot of useful and transferable skills for the IT industry.

"Why not a cloud service?"

While the startup costs can greatly outweight a yearly subscription to, say, a service for data backups or media streaming, I know once established, this approach will be able to grow with my needs. Most importantly, I know my data and personal information is secure and that I have the final say in what is done with this information.

This home server project needs to fulfill the following roles:

  1. Provide reliable file storage and backups for multiple machines and users.

  2. Create a media hub for a large, converted, digital media library.

  3. Include a space for personal documentation and note collection.[1]

Plans for the future

  • Create home network DNS and ad blocking with Pi-hole or AdGuard.

  • Home automation and metric collections using Hass.io and various IOT sensors and devices.

  • Add two more disks to the pool and implement an offsite backup for critical cold storage.

  • Add a Raspberry Pi for Pi-hole, Network UPS monitoring, and system monitoring.

  • Use an old Android phone as a home controller.

I hope you find the information you’re looking for, or at the very least feel inspired to create your own home server. Good luck, from all of us at SpecterLab.
1. Obviously my personal documentation for the home server build outgrew the server itself and information is now hosted externally through this site.