How a straightforward home setup can still bring lots of joy and function with a few personal tweaks

Have you ever put together a home network setup that isn’t flashy or cutting-edge but somehow just feels right? That’s exactly how I feel about my personal home lab. It’s nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary, but it works well, and I genuinely love checking on it — even if there’s a tiny imperfection that makes me itch every time I see it.

Why Keep It Simple?

When I started my home network setup, I wasn’t aiming to invent something unique or push the limits of technology. Instead, I wanted a system that’s reliable, functional, and fits comfortably in my space without causing clutter or headaches. Sometimes, simple beats complex, especially when the setup serves my daily needs smoothly.

The Hardware Lineup

Here’s a peek at what I’m working with:

• Dlink Unmanaged 8-Port Switch: This is the traffic controller for wired devices. It’s straightforward and does exactly what I need—no fuss.
• Unifi Express Hue Hub: Managing smart lighting at home can get complicated, but this hub keeps it seamless.
• Optiplex 3050 running OMV7 + Docker: This small but mighty machine acts as my media server and Docker platform.
• Wyse 5070 with ProxMox: Running virtual environments for various small tasks.
• Behind the scenes: There’s a Draytek Vigor 165 VDSL Modem handling my internet connection and a Beaglebone Black Rev C acting as a Pi-hole for network-wide ad blocking.
• Onlogic Fanless 4-core DIN PC: This handles my Jellyfin server to stream media smoothly.
• 6TB external drive: Ample storage for media and backups.

I’m also waiting for my new Unifi U6 Mesh to arrive. It’s replacing an old TPLink extender to improve wireless coverage and speed, which should make a noticeable difference around the house.

The Little Imperfections

I have to admit, there’s a small gap at the bottom of my setup that annoys me visually every time I glance at it. It’s a minor thing but it sticks with me. Maybe it’s my inner perfectionist talking! Despite that, I still appreciate my setup—it’s my personal tech corner that manages several of my home’s digital needs effortlessly.

Why a Home Network Setup Like This?

The beauty of this kind of setup is in its balance. It’s manageable enough to maintain without stress but powerful enough to support everyday activities like streaming, working, and smart home management.

For anyone thinking about starting their own home lab or upgrading an existing one, I’d suggest considering what you truly need. You don’t have to go all out with the latest and greatest gear. Often, a carefully chosen collection of reliable components can offer great performance and a lot of satisfaction.

If you’re curious about some of the gear I use, take a look at D-Link’s official site for their switches, check out Unifi’s product pages for networking and smart hubs, and explore Proxmox VE if you want to learn about virtualization solutions for home labs.

Wrapping It Up

My home network setup isn’t a flashy showpiece, but it’s a comforting space where tech meets practicality. Sometimes, it’s the small setups that feel the most personal and satisfying. If you’ve got a corner of your home filled with blinking lights and humming fans, treasure it—it’s your own little hub of activity and convenience.

Thanks for hanging out and letting me share a bit about my setup!