June 2026
OPNsense, pfSense, UniFi, or Consumer Router: Which Should Run Your Homelab?
Compare router platforms by ISP requirements, policy, VPNs, enabled-feature workload and recovery. Evaluate exact models and releases rather than treating a dashboard, feature list or integrated management as proof of throughput or isolation.
What Is the Right VLAN Layout for a Beginner Homelab?
Build a small set of explainable trust zones with explicit firewall, DHCP and DNS plans. Keep experimental workloads separate from infrastructure management when their access needs differ, and preserve a recovery path.
2.5GbE vs 10GbE: Which Home Network Upgrade Is Worth It?
Keep existing Ethernet when it meets the workload. Compare 2.5GbE and 10GbE against measured client, storage and uplink bottlenecks, then check exact cabling, port support and cooling before buying.
How to Build Cheap Offsite Backup at a Friend or Family Member's House
Plan encrypted offsite backups at a consenting household through a private tunnel, with agreed transfer limits and independently stored keys. Test recovery over the real connection; encryption alone does not prevent deletion.
One Shared Database Server or One Database Per App?
Choose shared or per-app databases by engine compatibility, maintenance needs and failure boundaries. Separate application credentials in either design, and account for shared downtime and post-cutover writes before consolidating.
How Do You Back Up Docker Volumes and Databases Properly?
Back up Docker by backing up the data, configuration, and restore instructions, not the running container. For databases, use application-aware dumps or backup tools, then store those dumps with the volume backups.
RAID, ZFS Snapshots, Sync, and Backup: What Each One Does Not Protect
Choose storage protection by failure mode: RAID for certain disk failures, snapshots for point-in-time state, sync for current changes and independent backups for recovery. Not every design needs all four.
How Much Does a Homelab Really Cost in Electricity?
Estimate homelab electricity costs from representative energy use and the applicable tariff. Define the meter boundary so networking equipment, storage and UPS losses are counted once rather than overlooked or duplicated.
Used Enterprise Server vs Mini PC: Which Homelab Buy Makes Sense?
Compare the complete configured system, not just its form factor. Match workload, expansion, firmware support, power, noise and recovery needs before choosing a used enterprise server, workstation or mini PC.
How Do You Document a Homelab So Someone Else Can Recover It?
Create a recovery packet someone else can use when you are unavailable. Record essential services, protected access, bills, shutdown boundaries and contacts, with an emergency sheet available outside the homelab.