Home Server

Why build a home server?

Since I started learning how computers and networks work, I’ve been interested in building my own home infrastructure. The goal of this project is to create a centralized system capable of handling different services such as home automation, a VPN for secure access, a NAS for storage, and self-hosted applications like WordPress and Jellyfin. It’s also a way for me to better understand how different technologies connect and work together in a real environment.

My experience

I began by setting up small Linux servers where I experimented with different services, including databases, WordPress sites, and web applications. These were usually short-term setups focused on learning and testing. After upgrading my main PC, I converted my old machine into a dedicated server running Ubuntu Server LTS. It now hosts several services using Docker, including a WireGuard VPN and a WordPress site built with Elementor . This setup allows me to move from simple experiments to a more stable and practical environment while continuing to learn and improve.

Deployed Services

All critical entry points—such as the /wp-admin/ page, phpMyAdmin, and OpenClaw—are restricted to the local network. Access is only possible when connected through the WireGuard VPN or when using a device within the same network.

NAS (NextCloud)

Dedicated overview of my current Nextcloud NAS setup on marhome: drive layout, Docker architecture, and RAID-5 roadmap.

Monitoring

Monitoring stack walkthrough with corrected dashboard-section copy and improved Plausible + WordPress operational narrative.

WordPress

WordPress is the world’s most popular open-source content management system (CMS), powering millions of websites and blogs. It is known for its flexibility, ease of use, and a vast ecosystem of plugins and themes.

NGINX

Nginx is a high-performance web server and reverse proxy, widely used for serving static content, acting as a secure TLS gateway, and efficiently routing traffic to backend services. It is known for its speed, reliability, and flexibility in handling modern web workloads.

Openclaw

OpenClaw is an intelligent interface that enables automated workflows across multiple services. It runs locally and connects seamlessly to powerful language models such as Claude, DeepSeek, or OpenAI’s GPT. Users interact with OpenClaw through a chatbot integrated into messaging platforms like Signal, Telegram, Discord, or WhatsApp. Configuration data and interaction history are stored locally, allowing for persistent and adaptive behavior across sessions.

Skills Developed

Linux System Administration

Installing, configuring, and maintaining Ubuntu Server environments, managing users, permissions, and system services.

Containerization (Docker)

Deploying and managing services using Docker, organizing multi-container applications, and handling networking between containers.

Networking & Security

During Advent of Code 2023, I expanded my problem-solving skills by analyzing different approaches, including solutions from other participants. This helped me identify improvements in algorithm design, optimize performance, and deepen my understanding of coding techniques and best practices.

Web Hosting & Management

Deploying and maintaining WordPress applications with Elementor, configuring Nginx, and managing databases through phpMyAdmin.

Infrastructure Thinking

Designing a modular and scalable system where services can be added, removed, or updated without affecting the entire setup.

Troubleshooting & Debugging

Identifying and resolving issues across different layers (network, containers, services), often through logs and system monitoring.