A HomeLab Rack Filled with Custom-Built Linux Servers

My HomeLab consists of a custom-built rack filled with Linux servers, each running various services. This setup allows me to experiment with running applications locally and learn a great deal during the building process and beyond.

This project began with my need to run certain applications locally, such as Home Assistant. Initially, I used old laptops to host a PostgreSQL server and other small services. However, I decided to invest in a dedicated setup to expand my capabilities.

Building the Rack

I found an affordable 12U rack for $90 and purchased a Unifi Dream Machine Pro (1U) to serve as my primary gateway. After assembling the rack and installing the Dream Machine, I began filling it with essential components, including a Unifi Standard 1U Switch, a 1U Patch Panel, and multiple custom-built servers.

All the servers are custom-built, including their enclosures. To create a rack-friendly setup, I purchased 1U shelves and 1U blank panels originally designed for audio equipment from Thomann. By bolting the front plate to the shelf, I effectively created 1U enclosures. I drilled ventilation holes and designed 3D-printed Ethernet and USB mounts for added functionality.

Servers and Services

3U NAS Server (TruNAS & Media Center)
• Runs TruNAS to manage storage.
• Hosts Jellyfin as a media server, accessing a local media pool.

1U Server #1 (Home Assistant)
• Runs Home Assistant, which I love due to its extensive customizability.
• Equipped with a ZigBee USB dongle for smart home device connectivity.

1U Server #2 (Idle for Future Expansion)
• Currently running Ubuntu Server, but not in active use.
• Initially intended for another service, but due to BIOS limitations, I hesitate to use it for anything mission-critical.

1U Server #3 (Coolify - Local DevOps Platform)
• Runs Coolify, an alternative to AWS/Azure for self-hosted applications.
• Used for local project development and testing, allowing me to easily switch between my Windows Desktop and MacBook Pro while conserving RAM.

1U Server #4 (Docker Management & Various Services)
• Runs Ubuntu Server with Dockge (a Docker container management web UI).
• While Dockge serves its purpose, Coolify is superior, so I may migrate all services to the Coolify server.
• Currently hosting:
  • PostgreSQL Server
  • UpSnap (WOL management via a web UI)
  • Self-hosted Cobalt instance (for YouTube downloads)
  • Various coding project containers (including SleekFrame / Art Monitor integrations).

Legacy 2008 Server (Testing & Uptime Kuma Monitoring)
• Contains an Intel dual-core CPU with 2GB DDR2 RAM.
• Runs Ubuntu Server with CasaOS for lightweight testing.
• Also runs Uptime Kuma, a web-based service monitor that checks the uptime of all my servers.

Power Management & Remote Control

One of the most frequently asked questions I received on Reddit was: “How do you turn on your servers?” I use Tuya WiFi smart plugs purchased from AliExpress, each labeled according to the connected server (e.g., “i5-11600K TrueNAS,” “Chromebook Home Assistant,” etc.). These smart plugs are not integrated with Home Assistant, allowing me to manage them separately through the Tuya app.

Each machine is configured to automatically power on when it receives electricity (BIOS setting: Boot on AC Power). This setup ensures that servers restart automatically after a power outage and that I can remotely power cycle any server via the Tuya app. However, one of my servers lacks this BIOS feature, so I avoid using it for critical services. Instead, it has a manual power button on the front.

Future Plans

1. Adding Another 1U Server
• I still have one empty 1U slot and another unused 1U server.

2. Implementing GitOps for Backend Development
• I love Vercel’s GitOps workflow, which allows me to code and test a web app locally, push changes to GitHub, and trigger an automated build and deployment within a minute. I want to replicate this setup for backend development.

3. Self-Hosting a Vercel-Like Platform for Websites
• Currently, my local dashboard is deployed on Vercel. Hosting it locally would be more efficient, so I need to explore options for a self-hosted Vercel alternative that supports GitOps for automatic deployment.

4. Developing a Server Monitoring Dashboard
• I want to create a custom monitoring page displaying uptime status and resource usage from all servers. This could be accomplished using Dashdot-servermonitoring and a custom-built web UI.

Conclusion

This HomeLab has been an exciting and rewarding project. With a solid foundation of custom-built servers, network infrastructure, and power management, I have created a flexible and expandable self-hosted environment. Future improvements will focus on automating deployments and enhancing monitoring, ensuring my setup remains efficient and cutting-edge.