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Basics

17
Sep
Digitized cyberpunk styled wolf jumping through a LAN to WAN NAT table.

Homelab NAT Explained: How Network Address Translation & Port Forwarding Work

Learn how NAT works in a homelab, how port forwarding exposes services, and why reverse proxies are safer for self-hosting.
9 min read
30
Jun
Homelab VLANs Explained: Network Segmentation & Inter-VLAN Routing

Homelab VLANs Explained: Network Segmentation & Inter-VLAN Routing

Learn how VLANs work in a homelab, how network segmentation improves security, and how inter-VLAN routing connects separated networks.
7 min read
28
Jun
Introductory flow of a homelab network from internet to your selfhosted services.

Homelab Networking Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Home Networks

Networking is the foundation of every homelab. Your LAN (local area network) at home, good ole' 127.0.0.
11 min read
18
Apr
Infographic comparing OMV8/Truenas, Unraid, Synology/Ugreen for use as affordable scrap-lab OS. You'll notice the "Ease of Use" changes from left (3/5) to right (5/5), along with the price!

Homelab on a Budget: Your Zero-to-Hero Guide (2026)

For years, I’ve been fascinated by the "homelab" - a personal, self-built environment for experimentation, learning, and,
7 min read
17
Apr
Cyberpunk digital fortress representing a self-hosted homelab with servers, Docker, networking, firewalls, and privacy-focused infrastructure. Canadian flag in backround.

🗺️ Start Here: Turn Your "Trash" Hardware Into a Digital Fortress

Learn self-hosting, Docker, homelabs, networking, Plex or Jellyfin, automation, and cybersecurity. Turn scrap hardware into a secure digital fortress with Core Lab.
10 min read