Home Lab Server & Hybrid Monitoring Project
I built a home lab server using an older desktop upgraded with additional RAM and an SSD. I installed Ubuntu Server and configured the system as a lightweight always-on lab environment for Linux administration, cloud operations, security hardening, and container-based services.
Home Lab Dashboard
Screenshot of my home lab monitoring environment used for testing, security monitoring, container management, and system visibility.
System Setup & Troubleshooting
- Installed Ubuntu Server on upgraded physical hardware
- Resolved BIOS boot and installation issues
- Configured persistent static networking
- Troubleshot DNS, routing, and hostname resolution issues
- Validated system stability after reboot and package updates
Security & Remote Access
- Configured SSH key-based authentication
- Disabled password-based SSH login
- Enabled UFW firewall protection
- Implemented Tailscale VPN for secure remote access
- Installed Fail2Ban to detect and block repeated failed SSH attempts
AWS Cloud Integration
I integrated the home lab server with AWS by installing the AWS CLI and CloudWatch Agent. I configured IAM access, resolved permission issues, and successfully forwarded Linux authentication logs from the on-prem server into AWS CloudWatch Logs.
Containerization
- Installed Docker on Ubuntu Server
- Deployed a self-hosted Homepage dashboard
- Configured Portainer for web-based Docker container management
- Exposed containerized services using local network ports
- Built a central dashboard for accessing lab tools and services
Technologies Used
- Ubuntu Server
- Linux Networking
- SSH
- Tailscale VPN
- UFW Firewall
- Fail2Ban
- AWS CLI
- AWS IAM
- AWS CloudWatch Logs
- Docker
- Portainer
- Homepage Dashboard
Project Outcome
This project resulted in a stable, remotely accessible Linux home lab server capable of running containerized services, supporting local security monitoring, and forwarding logs to AWS. The lab provides a practical environment for continued learning in Linux administration, CloudOps, cybersecurity, and modern infrastructure management.