A first homelab shows why storage and network separation matter
A first homelab build started with a simple need: a NAS for storing media, mostly photos, and a place to back up a . Synology was considered first, but local hardware prices were too high, so a custom NAS build became the chosen path. The custom build still ended up going over budget.
The network uses UniFi gear, including one UDR 7, two UniFi es, and three UniFi AP Lite and Pro bought in a mix of new and used condition. The network is split by purpose: trusted personal devices, family devices, IoT devices, and guest devices. Each zone uses its own VLAN and range.
Trusted devices can fully reach server management, family devices mainly get normal internet access, IoT devices are isolated from each other, and guest devices are used for internet TV and smart devices with only specific access opened when needed.
Key points
- The setup began as a NAS for and backups.
- Synology hardware was considered too expensive locally, so a custom NAS build was chosen.
- The custom build still went over the original budget.
- The network uses UniFi routing, switches, and .
- Devices are separated into trusted, family, IoT, and guest zones with different .