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Homelab Infrastructure Project

Optimized Self-Hosted Platform & Strategic Infrastructure Management

10
Essential Services
64%
Resource Optimization
83%
RAM Available
100%
Security Maintained

Project Overview

A strategically optimized self-hosted infrastructure demonstrating advanced systems thinking, resource efficiency, and pragmatic technology choices. Evolved from complexity to elegance through deliberate simplification while maintaining enterprise-grade security and functionality.

Advanced 🏗️

Infrastructure as Code

Designed and implemented a complete containerized infrastructure using Docker Compose with phased deployment strategy. All services configured through code with version control, making the entire stack reproducible and maintainable.

Docker Docker Compose Ubuntu Server Linux Administration YAML
Complex 🔒

Zero-Trust Security Model

Implemented enterprise-grade security using Cloudflare Tunnel for zero-exposure external access, WireGuard VPN for secure remote administration, and Authentik SSO for centralized identity management. No ports exposed to the internet except VPN.

Cloudflare Tunnel WireGuard VPN Authentik SSO SSL/TLS Network Security
Strategic

Infrastructure Optimization

Strategically reduced infrastructure from 28 to 10 essential services, achieving 64% reduction in complexity while maintaining full functionality. Freed 83% of system RAM and 67% of disk space through careful analysis of service dependencies and business value.

Systems Analysis Resource Optimization Strategic Planning Performance Tuning Lean Architecture
Efficient 🔄

Streamlined Operations

Implemented essential automation with Watchtower for updates and Duplicati for backups. Eliminated unnecessary complexity while maintaining operational excellence through strategic service selection and simplified maintenance workflows.

Watchtower n8n Workflows Playwright Testing Backup Automation GitHub Actions
Complex 🗄️

Database & Storage Management

Configured and optimized multiple database systems including MariaDB for application data, PostgreSQL for authentication services, and Redis for caching. Implemented automated backups and data persistence strategies across all services.

MariaDB PostgreSQL Redis Database Administration Data Persistence
Advanced 🌐

Network Architecture & DNS

Designed a sophisticated network topology with isolated Docker networks, custom DNS routing, and dual-access patterns (public HTTPS + private VPN). Configured nginx reverse proxy for internal routing and service discovery.

Network Design DNS Management Nginx Proxy Docker Networks Cloudflare API

Technical Architecture

Optimized technology stack emphasizing efficiency, security, and maintainability over complexity

🐧 Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
🐳 Docker & Compose
🛡️ Cloudflare Tunnel
🔐 WireGuard VPN
🔑 Authentik SSO
🖾 PostgreSQL
🔄 Automated Updates
📋 Infrastructure as Code
☁️ GitHub Pages
🏠 Home Automation
💾 Backup Automation
⚡ Resource Optimization

Skills Demonstrated

This project demonstrates strategic technical decision-making and advanced systems optimization

🛠️

DevOps & Infrastructure

  • Container Orchestration
  • Infrastructure as Code
  • Resource Optimization
  • Strategic Simplification
  • Performance Tuning
🔒

Security & Networking

  • Zero-Trust Architecture
  • VPN Configuration
  • SSL/TLS Management
  • Identity & Access Management
  • Network Segmentation
📊

Monitoring & Observability

  • Metrics Collection & Analysis
  • Log Aggregation Systems
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Alert Management
  • Dashboard Creation
🗄️

Data & Storage

  • Database Administration
  • Backup & Recovery
  • Data Persistence Strategies
  • Storage Optimization
  • Disaster Recovery Planning

Project Outcomes & Value

What this project demonstrates about technical capabilities and problem-solving approach

🎯

Strategic Architecture

Evolved from complex to optimized through strategic analysis. Maintained enterprise-grade security and functionality while achieving 64% reduction in services and 83% improvement in resource availability. Demonstrates mature systems thinking.

Resource Efficiency Excellence

Achieved dramatic resource optimization: reduced from 28 to 10 essential services, freed 20GB RAM and 10GB disk space. Demonstrates ability to identify core business value and eliminate unnecessary complexity while maintaining full functionality.

🔧

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Applied lean principles to infrastructure management: analyzed service dependencies, measured actual usage patterns, and optimized based on real business needs. Showcases evolution from "feature-rich" to "purpose-driven" architecture.

📚

Continuous Learning

Self-taught implementation of cutting-edge technologies through documentation study, community engagement, and hands-on experimentation. Showcases ability to rapidly acquire new technical skills and apply them effectively.

Ready to Discuss Your Infrastructure Needs?

This homelab project demonstrates hands-on experience with modern DevOps practices, security implementation, and system architecture. Let's discuss how these skills can benefit your organization.

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