A tiny private internet lab for testing home server networking
The goal is to build a fully separate internet-like lab. Inside that lab, real-style IP ranges can be created and routed without touching the actual internet. The setup would give an OPNsense router a fake outside network, so , firewall rules, and WAN-side behavior can be tested safely.
It could also be used to restore backups of real internet servers into while keeping the same and DNS records. That makes it possible to check whether backups work in a realistic recovery situation. Static routes could probably handle the basic routing, but BGP is part of the learning goal.
The desired system is an extremely small Linux distro that uses only a few megabytes of RAM and works as a basic internet router without NAT or a firewall.
Key points
- The lab would imitate an outside internet connection for an OPNsense router.
- It would test , firewall rules, and WAN behavior before touching settings.
- Server backups could be restored in while keeping the same and DNS records.
- Static routes may be enough, but BGP is desired for learning and realism.
- The requested router should be very lightweight and avoid NAT or firewall duties.