Home Lab Project
A self-built home server environment designed to simulate real-world IT infrastructure, virtualisation, and networking concepts.
Research & Hardware Selection
I selected a Dell OptiPlex 7050 for its enterprise-grade reliability and low power consumption for 24/7 operation.
i7-7700 CPU
16GB DDR4
256GB SSD + 2TB HDD
Proxmox Host
Hardware Upgrades
- Installed additional HDD storage for virtual machine capacity
- Optimised system for 24/7 uptime usage
- Configured internal storage for virtualization workloads
Operating System & Virtualisation
- Removed Windows OS
- Installed Proxmox VE as the primary hypervisor
- Configured virtual machine environment for lab testing
Networking & Remote Access
- Installed Tailscale for secure remote access
- Enabled remote management of server environment
- Practised network connectivity and access control concepts
Virtual Machines & Learning Lab
- Deployed Kali Linux virtual machine for cybersecurity practice
- Installed Metasploitable as a vulnerable test environment
- Practised vulnerability scanning and ethical hacking techniques
- Built a safe isolated environment for cybersecurity learning
Skills Developed
- Server setup and administration
- Virtualisation and hypervisor management
- Networking fundamentals and remote access tools
- Cybersecurity awareness and lab-based testing
Lab Network Topology
☁️ WAN / Tailscale VPN
Secure Remote Tunnel
🖥️ Dell OptiPlex 7050
Proxmox VE (192.168.1.100)
🛡️ Kali Linux
Attack Vector VM
🎯 Metasploitable
Vulnerable Target VM
📦 TrueNAS Core
Lab Storage (NFS/SMB)
Lab Environment Evidence
Node Performance Summary
Virtual Machine Management Console