A first homelab with Docker, Pi-hole, and a segmented router
The setup is built around three goals: keeping personal data under direct control, learning server operations, and having fun. The hardware includes a MikroTik hAP ax2 router, an old Asus laptop running Arch, and normal client devices.
The router is used to split the home network into separate parts. The laptop runs several services with Docker, and Dockge is used to manage them.
Traefik works as a reverse proxy, sending traffic to the right Python/Flask apps. Pi-hole handles local DNS and blocks trackers across the home network.
Key points
- The goal is personal data control, learning, and a fun home server project.
- A MikroTik hAP ax2 router is used for network segmentation.
- An old Asus laptop runs Arch and Docker-based services.
- Traefik routes traffic to Python/Flask apps as a reverse proxy.
- Pi-hole provides local DNS and blocks trackers on the network.
Quick term guide
- hardware
- The physical parts of a computer that you can touch.
- reverse proxy
- A relay server that sits between the internet and your personal server to safely forward connection requests.
- Mac mini server
- A Mac mini used as an always-on computer for files, apps, backups, or automation.
- Mac mini
- A small desktop computer made by Apple.
- remote access
- Connecting to and controlling a computer from another place.
- security
- How well a site is protected from attacks or unsafe access.
- monitoring
- Watching a system to see if it is working well or having problems.
- home server
- A personal computer setup at home used to run services or store files instead of regular daily use.