Build Your Own HomeLab - Get That Experience

Some ideas around how you could start building your own HomeLab

Should you be using a Server Cabinet Rack, or just sticking it in a closet or garage? Where could you store your lab? 

Why I am using a Rack Cabinet to store my homelab

A little about cabling, labelling and keeping your equipment neat and tidy.

You'll need to setup a network when setting up your homelab. Will the network be internal facing only, or does it require external access to the internet? Is it isolated from the rest of your home/office network, or is it a part of it? 

What is a switch, and why you'll need them in your lab

Having some computers acting as servers will be essential for your homelab build

What about data storage? Where does the homelab data sit, what about virtual servers? 

Do you need to keep your lab on all the time? 

This video is optional, but we'll cover the differences between some corporate network setups. We'll talk about datacentres, server rooms and comms rooms.

In this optional video, we'll show you an example of a corporate datacenter.

We now start building our software platform, let's talk about VMware and why we are using it.

With a understanding of VMware, the video covers how to download VMware ESXI for free.

** In November 2023, Broadcom completed its acquisition of VMware.

As of early 2024 you can no longer get a free licensed copy of ESXi. Although there are still free versions floating around the internet, you'll now need to obtain the ESXi installer software either from an OEM or from the Broadcom Support Portal. You can also find cutomizable versions for Dell, HPE etc, ie if you search for HPE ESXi download.

Once ESXi is downloaded, we now need to install it.

** In November 2023, Broadcom completed its acquisition of VMware.

As of early 2024 you can no longer get a free licensed copy of ESXi. Although there are still free versions floating around the internet, you'll now need to obtain the ESXi installer software either from an OEM or from the Broadcom Support Portal. You can also find cutomizable versions for Dell, HPE etc, ie if you search for HPE ESXi download.

VMware ESXi is now installed, we'll now give you an overview of the platform and it's different parts

Getting ISO's into a VMware datastore is the best way for you to start building some Virtual Machines

If you are using Storage on your HomeLab, here's a guide on how to get VMware talking to a Synology NAS

With VMware ESXi now setup, let's start building your first virtual machine

How to do you login and console into a VM?

VMware tools is essential to ensure full compatibility with your VMware environment and VM's

So how many VM's should you add to each ESXi host...it depends.

Step by step guide on building a Windows Server virtual machine

Step by step guide on building a Linux Server virtual machine

What are some of the Servers you could build within your homelab?

If you want to learn more about domains and active directory, watch this

So what is DNS?

If you want to learn some essential Sys Admin skills, learn how to build a domain controller and active directory

With AD now setup, it's time to get some computers talking to AD

Wanting to learn about Networking? What about Cisco Switching and Routing? Try these out!

One of the best tools for Network troubleshooting is Wireshark. Try it out in your Lab.

How to keep track of your lab hardware and software config

It's always good to ensure that your lab is running well, healthy and secure

…check out my expanded learning courses and keep building your skills: https://www.udemy.com/user/emilio-aguero-2

What we learned in this course.