GNU's Not Unix

Homelab

Server Rack

Here is the server hosting this website. This rack has a few Proxmox nodes, an IBM NetApp disk shelf, UPS, and other networking equipment. Most of the parts are used or salvaged from other systems.

The case for the server on top is from the disposal room at work. The server that used to be in it was killed by lightning, so some of the ports on the SAS backplanes are dead.


Hard drive bays that I use to store screws. The backplane has a few dead ports, so I added some trays to turn them into drawers. My IBM NetApp disk shelf. I've labeled all of the drive caddies with the last 4 characters of the seral number, the size, and the interface they use. I upgraded my switch with a used Aruba S2500, with 4x10GB SFP+ ports and 48 gigabit PoE ports. I ran a fiber line between my server rack and my desktop, up a floor and through a couple walls.

PiKVM

PiKVM console displaying my server's screen.

PiKVM is a remote KVM/IPMI that runs on a raspberry pi. I connected mine to an ezCoo KVM switch to allow remote access to all of the servers in my rack. This KVM switch comes with a serial interface to control it, which makes it simpler for PiKVM to switch between devices. I stuck my PiKVM and the KVM switch to a 1U rack shelf using double sided mounting tape. I also added an HDMI splitter, that sends the output to the monitor on top of my rack.

All of my servers used to be connected to an old rackmounted PS/2 KVM switch that I got from my university's surplus store. I was considering connecting that to the PiKVM, but that would require using an arduino to emulate the PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and I would lose the ability to emulate a CD drive with the PiKVM for OS installs.

PiKVM installed in a 1U rack shelf, stuck in with double sided mounting tape. PiKVM at my desk, setting it up before moving it to the rack. PiKVM on top of my server rack. PiKVM menu for switching between ports on my KVM switch. PiKVM displaying the BIOS on one of my servers.

Home Automation

Log of internet speed.

I set up Home Assistant on my server for home automation. It logs my internet speed hourly, and reboots my modem and router with a zigbee smart outlet if the speed dips too low or the connection drops.

I'm planning on connecting it to my rack's UPS using NUT to track power usage and battery capacity.

Doom Legacy: New Look! same great TASTE Linux ISO