My Homelab Server: HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen 8

Introduction

Having a reliable and versatile homelab server is crucial for testing, experimenting, and learning as a cybersecurity enthusiast. After researching various options, I settled on the HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen 8, powered by a Xeon E3-1265L V2 processor and 16GB of memory. This compact yet powerful server runs Proxmox, allowing me to virtualize and manage a range of applications.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my homelab setup, the applications I run, and how this server has become an essential part of my cybersecurity journey.

Why the HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen 8?

The HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen 8 is a perfect balance of power, efficiency, and compactness.

Here’s why it stood out to me:

Xeon E3-1265L V2 Processor: This low-power, high-performance CPU is ideal for running multiple virtual machines and containers without breaking a sweat.
16GB of Memory: While modest by enterprise standards, 16GB is more than sufficient for my current needs, offering enough headroom for multiple concurrent applications. 32GB would provide greater flexibility and performance, but unfortunately only 16GB is supported.
Form Factor: The MicroServer’s compact design makes it easy to fit into my workspace without taking up too much room.
Expandability: With four drive bays and decent I/O options, I can easily upgrade storage or add additional network interfaces as needed.

Proxmox: The Heart of My Homelab

Proxmox is an open-source virtualization platform that allows me to manage virtual machines (VMs) and Linux containers (LXC) with ease. It’s an deal choice for both beginners and advanced users because of its intuitive web interface.

Some key features I rely on in Proxmox include:

Resource Allocation: Proxmox allows me to allocate CPU, memory, and storage resources to each VM or container, ensuring optimal performance for all my applications.
Snapshots and Backups: I can take snapshots of my VMs and containers, allowing me to revert to a previous state if something goes wrong during testing or updates.
Network Management: Proxmox’s networking features let me create isolated networks, manage VLANs, and set up complex routing scenarios

Some Applications

Here’s a rundown of some applications I’m running on this setup:

Bind9 (DNS Server): As a fundamental part of any network infrastructure, I use Bind9 to manage DNS queries for my homelab. It helps me route traffic efficiently, and I also use it to experiment with DNSSEC and other security protocols.
Nextcloud: My personal cloud storage solution, Nextcloud, allows me to sync and share files across devices securely. I also use it to manage my calendar, contacts, and notes, making it an all-in-one solution for personal data management.
Immich: Immich serves as my photo and video storage solution. It’s an open-source, self-hosted application that helps me manage my media files securely and privately.
Paperless: To keep my documents organized, I run a Paperless instance, which automates the digitization and categorization of my physical documents. It’s a fantastic tool for reducing paper clutter and maintaining an easily searchable archive.
Vaultwarden: A lightweight Bitwarden server that ensures that all my passwords and sensitive data are stored securely. I use it to manage credentials, two-factor authentication codes, and secure notes.
Docker: I run a couple of web servers to host personal projects, test new web applications, and it serves as a sandbox for learning new technologies and frameworks.

Conclusion

It has proven to be an indispensable tool in my cybersecurity journey. It’s not just a server; it’s a playground for learning, a platform for personal projects, and an environment for managing my files. It’s powerful enough to handle a wide range of tasks, yet compact and energy-efficient, making it perfect for my use.

Let me know if you have any questions about my setup or if there’s something specific you’d like to know more about.