Rack Server Overhaul
Been a while since I updated the blog. After renewing my Real Estate and Notary licenses. I figured I take some time and catch up on my home tech projects. That lead me down a BIG rabbit hole that I did not anticipate. Took a few months to get everything sorted out. It was a learning experience to say the least.
My server rack was getting a bit cluttered and thought I can do more with less. The original idea was the following:
- Migrate Docker services to NAS
- Setup a RAID on NAS for Docker services
- Repurpose Docker server to a VM Server and eliminate 2 mini pcs
- Clean up the wiring
- Re-arrange items on the rack
First I started work on my NAS system. I wanted to try out other alternatives such as Unraid, Truenas Scale, or Ubuntu Server with Samba/Cockpit combination.
Unraid is a paid product, I tried the 30 day trial. There is a learning curve. Unraid has to be installed on a flash drive over NVME. The setup is in an array and storage is pooled. Did not like that feature.
Ubuntu Server. I was able to get SSH, RAID1, Samba (windows sharing), Cockpit (Web GUI) working. The permissions and access were the road blocks I was encountering. I could manage and install QEMU which is the VM Component. Permission issues and the file sharing structure had me retrying multiple attempts to get it right.
Openmediavault, as much as it is not perfect. The GUI was simpler, there is more video support, and at the end of the day. File sharing and Docker just work. At the end when I was getting Docker setup. OMV decided to change how Docker installs. Figured that out by trial and got it to work and installed Portainer. All services were installed. After much trial and error and getting a crash course on Linux. I decided to stay with Openmediavault. For its simplicity, ease of use and free price.
The old Docker server was repurposed to a VM server using Proxmox. Instead of using Pfsense, I decided to try Opnsense for my firewall. Migrated my Windows Server to another VM. Lastly, I installed Pi-hole on the 3rd VM for network ad blocking.
Lastly, re-arranged equipment, re-wired with new cables and it looks complete right now.
