This is the hands-on side of my IT learning. It is where I test networking concepts, run virtual machines, work through services, and build a better understanding of how systems fit together.
The lab is a mix of Cisco gear, Proxmox hosts, self-hosted services, and home infrastructure. Some of it is polished, some of it is still evolving, but all of it helps me learn by doing.
The main parts of the lab and how they fit into my learning and home setup.
My main virtual lab environment runs across Dell OptiPlex Micro systems. This gives me a place to test servers, Linux installs, networking setups, and service configurations without affecting the rest of the house.
I use Unraid for media, storage, and containers. It acts as the more practical home side of the setup while also giving me experience with Docker, app management, backups, and service troubleshooting.
Cisco routers and switches let me work on VLANs, routing, switching, STP, EtherChannel, ACLs, and general CCNA-style lab work using real gear as well as virtual environments.
A snapshot of the hardware currently making up the lab. This can be updated over time as the setup changes.
| Area | What I’m using | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualisation | 3 x Dell OptiPlex 7050 Micro PCs running Proxmox | VMs, testing environments, Linux practice, and infrastructure labs |
| Self-hosting | Unraid server for storage, containers, and media services | Home services, Docker apps, media, and centralised storage |
| Routing & switching | Cisco routers and switches from my CCNA-style lab kit | Hands-on routing, switching, VLANs, ACLs, and protocol practice |
| Rack & layout | Rack-mounted gear and flexible cable management setup | Organisation, easier changes, and a cleaner working space |
| General endpoints | Main PC, laptops, and household devices | Real-world clients for testing connectivity, storage, and services |
These are the areas I use the lab for most often, both for practical home use and for learning.
I use the Proxmox side of the lab to spin up systems for Linux practice, network services, troubleshooting, and general experimentation without risking my day-to-day setup.
Unraid gives me a place to run Docker containers and manage services that are both useful at home and valuable for learning. It also helps me get more comfortable with storage layouts, backups, and app maintenance.
The network side is where I work on routing and switching fundamentals, device configuration, VLANs, trunking, ACLs, inter-VLAN routing, and troubleshooting behaviour between devices.
A big part of the lab is documenting what I set up, what breaks, what I changed, and what I would do better next time. That helps turn isolated testing into useful learning I can revisit later.
The lab is still growing. These are the kinds of areas I plan to keep building out and documenting.
Turning my notes, builds, and troubleshooting sessions into proper write-ups so the site becomes a clearer record of what I have done and learned.
Expanding into better monitoring, dashboards, alerts, and service visibility so the lab is not just running, but easier to understand and maintain.
Hardening services, improving access control, and better separating different parts of the network so the environment reflects stronger real-world practice.
Refining the physical and logical layout so it is easier to expand, easier to reset, and better suited to long-term study and portfolio-style documentation.
The main areas this page and lab will continue to cover.
This page is designed to sit alongside the homepage and grow over time as I add more specific builds, diagrams, photos, and write-ups.