Virtualization Server
A compact Proxmox-based infrastructure lab built to develop hands-on experience in virtualization, networking, self-hosting, remote access, and systems administration.
This project demonstrates: VM administration, Docker services, networking, reverse proxying, secure remote access, storage planning, and troubleshooting across Linux and Windows environments.
8+
Hosted Workloads
5
Core Infrastructure VMs
3
Test Environments
Project Overview
I built this homelab to gain practical experience with infrastructure design, virtualization, networking, and self-hosted services in a real working environment. The platform is centered around a compact Mini-ITX Proxmox server and supports core infrastructure workloads, Docker-based services, remote administration tools, storage services, and isolated test environments for learning and experimentation. It serves as both a technical playground and a portfolio project that reflects the kind of systems thinking used in professional IT and infrastructure roles.
Project Goals
- Build a compact but capable virtualization platform
- Develop and optimize network security through best standards
- Host useful infrastructure and self-hosted applications
- Develop hands-on troubleshooting across systems and networking
- Create a reusable platform for learning, testing, and documentation
- Self host my own cloud
Network Topology
Network Architecture Highlights
- ISP Gateway: AT&T modem configured in IP Passthrough mode, allowing pfSense to act as the primary router and firewall.
- Firewall & Routing: A Protectli appliance running pfSense manages firewall rules, NAT, routing, and VLAN segmentation.
- Managed Switching: A UniFi switch distributes trunked VLAN traffic across the internal network infrastructure.
- Wireless Infrastructure: UniFi Access Points provide centralized wireless management and segmented SSIDs mapped to VLAN networks.
- Network Segmentation: Multiple VLANs separate Home, IoT, Guest, and Lab networks, improving security and traffic isolation.
- Virtualization Host: A Proxmox server hosts the homelab infrastructure, including core services and test environments.
- Secure Remote Access: Tailscale VPN provides encrypted remote connectivity to the homelab without exposing services to the public internet.
Infrastructure Architecture
Network Edge
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Virtualization Host
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Service Layer
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Hardware Platform
Case
Fractal Design Terra Silver — compact Mini-ITX chassis for a clean, space-efficient build.
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G — 6-core/12-thread, efficient for virtualization and service hosting.
Motherboard
MSI MPG B850I Edge TI WiFi — Mini-ITX with 5Gb LAN for high-speed local networking.
Memory
32GB Crucial Pro DDR5 for multiple VMs, containers, and parallel workloads. Purchased before the recent AI and datacenter-driven RAM spike—lucky timing.
Power Supply
Redragon PSU015 750W SFX Platinum — efficient small-form-factor power delivery.
Storage
Dual NVMe SSD layout — one drive for host OS, one for VMs, ISOs, and container workloads.
Virtual Infrastructure
Click any service for a How-To walkthrough and technical setup guide.
Core Infrastructure
Test Environments
- 200SOP Coming soon
Kali Linux
Security testing and lab experimentation
- 201SOP Coming soon
Windows 11
Domain User
- 202SOP Coming soon
Windows Server
ADUC
- 203SOP Coming soon
Ubuntu LTS
Linux testing and service evaluation
Skills Demonstrated
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Challenges & Lessons Learned
Infrastructure Design Challenges
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Networking Configuration Challenges
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Service Deployment Challenges
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Project Outcomes
- Built a fully functional Proxmox-based homelab environment
- Deployed multiple infrastructure and self-hosted services
- Created reusable environments for testing and experimentation
- Strengthened hands-on skills in virtualization, networking, storage, and troubleshooting
Future Improvements
Monitoring Stack
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Automation
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Additional Services
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Hardware Expansion
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