HomeLab Labs
Build production-grade infrastructure step by step—each lab teaches you skills that scale from homelab to enterprise.
Transform your spare hardware into a learning platform that mirrors real-world environments. Every lab connects to ITLearn fundamentals for complete understanding.
🌐 Networking
Master the foundation of all infrastructure—from securing perimeters to routing traffic like a pro.
VPN & Remote Access
- OpenVPN Setup Lab - Deploy a self-hosted VPN server
- WireGuard Configuration Lab - Modern VPN with minimal configuration
Reverse Proxy & SSL
- Reverse Proxy with SSL Lab - Secure web services with automated certificates
- Nginx Proxy Manager Lab - Web-based proxy management
Firewalls & Security
- pfSense Firewall Lab - Enterprise-grade firewall configuration
- OPNsense Setup Lab - Open-source firewall deployment
🖥️ Virtualization
Build the platform everything else runs on—from bare metal to orchestrated containers.
Hypervisors
- Proxmox VE Setup Lab - Full virtualization platform deployment
- LXC Container Management Lab - Lightweight Linux containers
Container Platforms
- Docker Installation Lab - Container runtime setup on Ubuntu/Debian
- Docker Compose Deployment Lab - Multi-container application orchestration
🔐 Security
Learn to defend what you build—from identity management to threat detection.
Identity & Access Management
- FreeIPA Identity Provider Lab - Centralized authentication and authorization
- Single Sign-On (SSO) Lab - SAML and OpenID Connect integration
Monitoring & Detection
- SIEM with Wazuh Lab - Security information and event management
- Intrusion Detection Lab - Network-based threat detection
🏠 Self-Hosting
Take back control—run your own services instead of renting someone else’s computer.
Media & Entertainment
- Jellyfin Media Server Lab - Open-source media streaming
- Immich Photo Gallery Lab - Self-hosted photo management
Productivity & Collaboration
- Nextcloud File Sync Lab - Private cloud storage and collaboration
- Vaultwarden Password Manager Lab - Self-hosted Bitwarden compatible server
Development Tools
- Gitea Git Server Lab - Lightweight self-hosted Git service
- Code Server Lab - VS Code in the browser
Before You Start
Prerequisites
- Basic Linux command line knowledge
- Understanding of networking concepts (IP addresses, ports, DNS)
- A lab environment (virtual machines, containers, or spare hardware)
Lab Environment Setup
Most labs assume you have:
- Ubuntu/Debian-based systems (adapts to other distros with package manager changes)
- Root or sudo access
- Internet connectivity for package downloads
- Basic text editor familiarity (nano, vim, or VS Code)
Getting Help
Stuck on a lab? Don’t give up! The TWN community is here to help:
HELP
Need Support?
Join the TWN Commons Discord to:
- Share screenshots of errors
- Get troubleshooting help
- Discuss lab variations and improvements
- Connect with other homelab enthusiasts
Lab Status Legend
- ✅ Complete: Fully tested and documented
- 🚧 In Progress: Content being developed
- 📋 Planned: Scheduled for creation
Want to contribute a lab? Check out our lab template and submit a pull request!