In this podcast, Techno Tim and Adam discuss the state of homelab tech in 2024. They cover topics like homelab environments, network improvement, storage trends, cameras, home automation, routers, and more. They also explore the meaning and value of a home lab, as well as the evolving technologies in home lab setups. The podcast touches on networking gear preferences, the importance of network performance, managing home lab traffic, personal experiences with servers and processors, and the future of home lab tech.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Increasing network speeds and efficiency are key trends in HomeLab technology, with enthusiasts upgrading to 2.5 gig or 10-gig connections and choosing low-power devices for cost-effectiveness.
The choice of network gear for HomeLab varies based on factors like cost, familiarity, and personal preferences, with options ranging from Ubiquiti's Unify line to open-source solutions like pfSense and used enterprise switches.
Storage is a crucial aspect of HomeLab setups, with enthusiasts considering factors like speed, cost-effectiveness, and capacity when choosing between SSDs or traditional hard drives, and utilizing ZFS as a file system for data storage.
HomeLab networking provides a safe space for experimentation and learning, with upgrading network gear and optimizing storage solutions improving performance and user experience based on goals, requirements, and personal preferences.
Deep dives
Trends in HomeLab Technology
The podcast episode discusses the current trends in HomeLab technology. One major trend is the increase in network speed, with many enthusiasts moving from one gig to 2.5 gig or even 10 gig connections. Another trend is the focus on efficiency and power usage, with people realizing that low power devices can be just as powerful and more cost-effective than used enterprise servers. Storage is an ongoing trend, with enthusiasts increasing their capacity to keep up with growing demand. Solid-state drives are desired, but the high cost and power usage make them less popular compared to traditional hard drives. Additionally, the podcast explores the concept of HomeLab and the variety of interpretations and uses for the term.
Choosing Network Gear for HomeLab
When it comes to choosing network gear for HomeLab, there are various preferences and options. Some enthusiasts prefer using Ubiquiti's Unify line, while others opt for open-source solutions like pfSense for firewall and used enterprise switches for networking. Factors like cost, familiarity, and personal preferences play a role in the choice of network gear. It's important to consider the specific requirements and goals of the HomeLab when making decisions about network equipment.
The Role of Storage in HomeLab
Storage is a crucial aspect of a HomeLab setup. While some enthusiasts prefer faster storage options like SSDs or NVMe drives to take advantage of high network speeds, others value the cost-effectiveness and large storage capacities of traditional hard drives. The choice of storage depends on individual needs, workflow, and budget. The podcast also touches upon the use of ZFS as a file system for data storage in a HomeLab environment.
The Benefits and Considerations of HomeLab Networking and Storage
HomeLab networking offers opportunities for experimentation and learning, with the network often being the gateway into the HomeLab world. Upgrading network gear and optimizing storage solutions can enhance performance and provide a better user experience. Factors like network speed, efficiency, power usage, and storage capacity all play a role in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the choice of networking and storage gear depends on individual goals, requirements, and personal preferences.
Oculink: Expanding PCI Express Devices
Oculink is a new interface on motherboards that allows for additional PCI Express devices, providing more lanes and the opportunity to run more devices. This is particularly useful for those who need more NVMe drives or additional graphics cards. It offers more flexibility and can potentially unlock new computing possibilities.
Consolidating Docker Containers and Flexibility in Home Labs
The trend in home labs is to consolidate Docker containers onto a single host, rather than spreading them across multiple virtual machines. This approach reduces points of failure and simplifies management. However, it is important to consider the potential need for separate infrastructure to host public-facing workloads. By analyzing network requirements and prioritizing resource allocation, home lab enthusiasts can optimize their setups.
Desire for More PCIe Lanes and Storage Capacity
Many home lab users expressed the need for more PCIe lanes and larger storage capacities. They want to see motherboard and CPU manufacturers addressing these limitations. As the demand for storage and connectivity increases, there's a desire for greater flexibility and more expansion options. Additionally, there is growing interest in smaller form factor devices and local AI applications in home labs.
Technical Considerations for Home Lab Upgrades
Upgrading home lab setups often involves evaluating technical trade-offs and examining the limitations of available resources. Finding the right balance between CPU lanes, storage capacity, and preferred hardware configurations is a significant consideration. Whether running Kubernetes or Docker containers, balancing resource requirements and exploring new technologies can enhance home lab performances and capabilities.
Techno Tim is back with Adam to discuss the state of homelab in 2024 and the trends happening within homelab tech. They discuss homelab environments providing a safe place for experimentation and learning, network improvement as a gateway to homelab, trends in network connection speeds, to Unifi or not, storage trends, ZFS configurations, TrueNAS, cameras, home automation, connectivity, routers, pfSense, and more.
Umm, should we make these conversations between Adam and Tim more frequent?
Changelog++ members save 6 minutes on this episode because they made the ads disappear. Join today!
Sponsors:
Vercel – With zero configuration for over 35 frameworks, Vercel’s Frontend Cloud makes it easy for any team to deploy their apps. Today, you can get a 14-day free trial of Vercel Pro, or get a customized Enterprise demo from their team. Visit vercel.com/changelogpod to get started.
Read Write Own – Read, Write, Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet—a new book from entrepreneur and investor Chris Dixon—explores one possible solution to the internet’s authenticity problem: Blockchains. From AI that tracks its source material to generative programs that compensate—rather than cannibalize—creators. It’s a call to action for a more open, transparent, and democratic internet. One that opens the black box of AI, tracks the origins we see online, and much more. Order your copy of Read, Write, Own today at readwriteown.com
Sentry – Don’t let your application suffer from flaky cron jobs. Know when your scheduled jobs fail, why, and (more importantly) where to fix the problem in your code. Use the code changelog to get $100 of the Team plan - sentry.io/for/cron-monitoring
Fly.io – The home of Changelog.com — Deploy your apps and databases close to your users. In minutes you can run your Ruby, Go, Node, Deno, Python, or Elixir app (and databases!) all over the world. No ops required. Learn more at fly.io/changelog and check out the speedrun in their docs.