Creating a home lab is one of the best ways to sharpen your networking, virtualization, and security skills.

I recently put together a home lab designed to be both affordable and powerful, with a strong focus on flexibility and scalability.

In this blog post, I’ll share the details of my setup and why I chose the components I did, including the TP-Link Omada ecosystem and various open-source solutions.

Core Components of the Network

My setup revolves around TP-Link’s Omada ecosystem, a choice I made for its balance of functionality and budget-friendliness. Here’s a quick look at the core pieces of hardware:

• TP-Link Omada AX1800 EAP610 Access Point: This access point provides strong, reliable Wi-Fi 6 coverage. It’s perfect for handling the multitude of devices connected in my home lab.
• TP-Link Omada ER605 Router: A solid and budget-friendly router.
• TP-Link Omada SG2218 16-Port Gigabit Switch: This switch handles the wired connections in my lab, providing gigabit speeds and allowing me to connect a variety of devices with ease.
• Cheap 16-Port POE Unmanaged Switch: This device was an extra I had lying around, and I’ve repurposed it to provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) for some of my devices. It’s not managed, but it gets the job done where PoE is required.

Virtualization and Open-Source Power

One of the most important aspects of my home lab is the virtualized environment I’ve built using Proxmox.

Proxmox is an open-source type 1 hypervisor platform, and it runs on my old Dell computer, which is equipped with a quad-core Intel Core i7-3770 processor and 32GB of RAM.

Not the most powerful PC, but it’s more than enough to run a variety of projects.

This setup allows me to run a range of virtual machines (VMs) for different use cases:

• Docker Containers: I run several Docker containers to host lightweight services and applications.
• Windows Server VM: I’ve set up a Windows Server VM to brush up on Active Directory skills, giving me a real-world environment for learning.
• Linux Ubuntu VM: Running a Linux VM allows me to experiment with various open-source applications and server setups.

This environment gives me the flexibility to test different systems without needing multiple physical machines, making it cost-effective and space-efficient.

VLANs for Network Segmentation

A key part of my network setup is the use of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). I’ve created multiple VLANs to segregate traffic for specific purposes:

• IoT VLAN: All my IoT devices are on a separate VLAN, which keeps them isolated from the rest of my network in case of security vulnerabilities.
• Guest VLAN: This VLAN is dedicated to guest devices, ensuring they don’t interfere with my main network traffic or have access to sensitive devices.
• Core VLAN: This VLAN has all the vital components on my network like server, NAS drive, and office PC.

Segmenting traffic like this not only improves security but also ensures better performance and easier troubleshooting.

Backup Solutions

Backing up my virtual environments and data is crucial, and for that, I use two 4TB external drives.

One is dedicated to backing up my Proxmox server, while the other backs up my Synology NAS.

This backup strategy ensures that even if something goes wrong with my setup, I can restore my data quickly and efficiently.

Space-Saving Rack Setup

To keep everything organized and avoid the typical clutter of cables, I’ve rack-mounted my equipment in a 6U rack.

This holds my 16-port switches, a 24-port patch panel, and an outlet power strip surge protector.

The clean, efficient setup not only saves space but also makes managing the hardware much easier.

Crimping Cat6 Cables and Testing Connections

To crimp my Cat6 cables, I stripped about 1.5 inches of the jacket, arranged the wires in the T568B configuration, and inserted them into RJ-45 connectors.

After crimping the connectors with a tool, I made 3 to 5-inch patch cables for better cable management in my rack.

Finally, I used a cable tester to verify proper alignment and ensure each connection was secure and functioning correctly.

Wire Labeling for Organization and Clarity

Proper wire labeling is essential in my home lab for organization and clarity. I used self-adhesive labels and a label maker to create clear, durable tags, ensuring consistent formatting.

Each cable is labeled on both ends with key details like cable type (e.g., Cat6), destination (e.g., “Living Room AP” for the access point), and any relevant VLAN information.

This systematic approach simplifies troubleshooting and makes future modifications more efficient.

Network Simulations with Packet Tracer

Instead of purchasing outdated Cisco hardware, I decided to use Packet Tracer for my networking simulations.

This software provides me with all the tools I need to experiment with Cisco configurations and hone my networking skills without the expense or space requirements of actual hardware.

Security Testing with Wazuh

One of the most interesting aspects of my home lab is running Wazuh, an open-source security platform, on a Linux Ubuntu VM.

With Wazuh, I can test endpoint protection, intrusion detection, and other cybersecurity measures, allowing me to practice handling real-world security incidents in a safe environment.

Why I Chose TP-Link Omada

One of the main reasons I decided to go with TP-Link’s suite of products was the Omada controller function.

Having a single, centralized interface to manage all of my devices makes network administration much more efficient.

The TP-Link Omada ecosystem is also incredibly budget-friendly, which was a big factor in my decision.

Final Thoughts

Building this home lab has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

It’s not just about having a space to test and experiment—it’s about creating a real-world learning environment that mimics the challenges faced in professional IT and network administration.

Whether you’re new to networking or looking to deepen your skills, a home lab can provide endless opportunities to grow.

If you’re looking to build your own lab, my advice is simple: start with a clear goal, find budget-friendly equipment that meets your needs, and take advantage of open-source software wherever possible.