I started my Homelab unknowingly when I purchased my Synology NAS so I could store and back up my photos. Fast forward to our current lifestyle roaming the States in an RV and it's started to grow finally.
Goals
Learning. I want to learn about networking and infrastructure. It's super interesting! Dunno if I want to switch careers but it is something I've always been interested in understanding.
Self-hosting. I want to continue to own my data and take advantage of self-hosting to reduce how much bandwidth I use. Because we're nomadic, bandwidth comes at a premium.
Current gear
- Synology DS216J
- Two WD Red 3 TB drives
- Lenovo m910q
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Raspberry Pi 3 - Cluster
- Raspberry Pi 2
Networking
Living in an RV full time poses many challenges. Trying to make it a "smart" home or host some sort of home lab adds even more challenges.
Running wires is difficult, especially to slideouts. Some existing wiring, like 12 volt or TV cabling, is run through the ceiling. It might be easier running wire through the underbody where storage tanks are located - but opening up the belly of the RV is intimidating.
Finding storage space for all the homelab is another challenge. The TV area was the initial choice but it is very cramped and not well vented.
Lastly, Wifi signals do not pass around the RV very well due to its aluminum framing.
Wishlist
- Managed switch
- Dedicated router (PFSense?)
- PoE Wifi Access points, one for the front, one for the center, and an external unit that would mount just inside the garage door.