84 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
84 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
# The Tools That Quietly Run My Home Lab Every Day in 2026
|
|
|
|
**Source:** <https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/2026/02/the-tools-that-quietly-run-my-home-lab-every-day-in-2026/>
|
|
**Date:** 2026-02-27
|
|
|
|
## Summary
|
|
|
|
This article details the software stack powering the author's home lab in 2026, following a transition away from VMware to Proxmox-based infrastructure.
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## Core Infrastructure
|
|
|
|
### Proxmox VE Server (Foundation)
|
|
- Replaced VMware for production workloads
|
|
- Handles VMs, LXC containers, and Docker hosts
|
|
- Features used: clustering, HA, live migration, software-defined networking
|
|
- Benefits: rolling updates without service interruption
|
|
|
|
### Ceph & CephFS (Storage)
|
|
- Distributed storage across nodes
|
|
- Automatic replication and self-healing
|
|
- Used for: ISO files, Kubernetes persistent storage
|
|
- Setup: 5-node cluster with erasure coding (CephFS) and 2 replicas (RBD)
|
|
- *Requirement: 10 GbE network minimum*
|
|
|
|
### Proxmox Backup Server
|
|
- Scheduled VM backups with deduplication
|
|
- Incremental chains and retention policies
|
|
- Agent-based file-level backup option
|
|
- Author's rule: periodically test restores
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## Management Tools
|
|
|
|
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|
|
|------|---------|-------|
|
|
| **PegaProx** | Modern Proxmox UI + DRS | Free, uses ProxLB for load balancing |
|
|
| **ProxCenter** | vCenter-like experience | Rough edges but worth trying |
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## Monitoring Stack
|
|
|
|
| Tool | Scope | Key Features |
|
|
|------|-------|--------------|
|
|
| **Netdata** | General infrastructure | Container/K8s monitoring, cloud alerts, /year home lab license |
|
|
| **Pulse** | Proxmox-specific | Holistic view: Proxmox + Docker + PBS + Ceph |
|
|
| **ProxMenuX** | Hardware + customization | NVMe temps, system temps, post-install tweaks |
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## DevOps & IaC
|
|
|
|
- **GitLab** (self-hosted) for version control
|
|
- Tracked in git: Terraform configs, Docker Compose, K8s manifests, scripts
|
|
- Benefits: version control + disaster recovery documentation
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## Key Takeaways
|
|
|
|
1. Proxmox is gaining enterprise momentum—worth considering for new builds
|
|
2. Ceph needs 10 GbE but provides excellent distributed storage
|
|
3. Modern management tools (PegaProx, ProxCenter) improve UX over native UI
|
|
4. Backup testing is non-negotiable
|
|
5. Git + IaC are essential skills for modern home lab operations
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
## Tools Mentioned
|
|
|
|
- Proxmox VE Server
|
|
- PegaProx / ProxCenter
|
|
- Ceph / CephFS
|
|
- Proxmox Backup Server
|
|
- Netdata
|
|
- Pulse
|
|
- ProxMenuX
|
|
- GitLab
|
|
- Terraform
|
|
- Docker Compose
|
|
- Kubernetes (Talos Linux) |