45Homelab

NetBird vs Tailscale which WireGuard-based mesh VPN actually fits your environment? In this breakdown, we go beyond the marketing and dig into the differences that matter in real-world deployments. From encrypted mesh networking and NAT traversal to subnet routing, exit nodes, DNS, access controls, and SSH workflows we cover what impacts performance, security, and manageability. The biggest decision point? Self-hosting vs a managed control plane. Whether you’re running a homelab, supporting a growing team, or exploring zero-trust networking, this comparison helps you choose with confidence. 👉 Watch the full video to get the complete breakdown: youtube.com/watch?v=jnGsSt…

The HL15 Beast is a 5U, 15-bay storage platform built from community feedback, designed for creators, homelabbers, and power users. Zack Perry from 45HomeLab breaks down its expanded chassis, improved airflow, E-ATX support, caddiless SSD tier, and full 16-inch GPU clearance compatible with cards like the Zotac #RTX5090. We also compare #AMD #Ryzen7 and #EPYC SP3 performance across Proxmox, ZFS, Blender, Stable Diffusion, Plex, Frigate NVR, and other AI and virtualization workloads. Watch the full video to see how the HL15 Beast performs in real-world scenarios: ow.ly/gV9Z50XYfLk #HL15 #Homelab #AIWorkstation #ContentCreation #45HomeLab

If your #homelab is “organized” but you still need a pile of browser bookmarks to reach your services… it’s time for an upgrade. 🛠️ In this video, we check out Homepage a fast, lightweight, self-hosted dashboard that puts your entire stack in one place. Built with simple #YAML configs and designed for speed, it’s the perfect front door for your #Docker containers and #Proxmox VMs. Whether you’re running #ZFS, managing #RAIDZ2, or just want a cleaner control panel, this is a simple win for any lab. 👉 Check it out and simplify your setup: youtube.com/watch?v=y9SR_w… #45HomeLab #SelfHosted #HomeServer #OpenSource #HomelabLife

The HL4 Storage Server. Built for homelabs, creators, and small teams, the HL4 delivers enterprise-grade architecture in a compact system ideal for high-capacity storage and media streaming. Designed, manufactured, and assembled in North America (USA & Canada), the HL4 is built to last. Its all-metal construction uses screws instead of rivets, giving you the flexibility to upgrade, modify, and truly make it your own. Whether you're storing massive media libraries or building out your home infrastructure, the HL4 is built to handle it. Learn more here: store.45homelab.com/configure/hl4?… #HomeLab #StorageServer #MadeInUSA #MadeInCanada #DataStorage #TechInfrastructure #45Drives

We put Arcane head-to-head with Portainer to see how this modern, Docker Compose–centric UI stacks up against the long-time container management heavyweight. From guided container creation and clean project workflows to multi-host support and day-to-day quality-of-life features, we break down where each platform shines and where it falls short. Whether you’re running a single-node homelab or scaling across multiple Docker hosts, this comparison helps you choose the right tool for your workflow. 👉 Watch the full video to see the full breakdown and decide which one belongs in your stack: youtube.com/watch?v=XGZk3O…

If you’re running Proxmox and keep rebuilding the same VMs, Cloud-Init can save you a lot of time. Cloud-Init lets Proxmox apply users, networking, and basic settings automatically the first time a VM boots. That means faster deployments, consistent configs, and fewer manual installs—especially useful for homelabs, clusters, and Kubernetes testing. In this video, we explain how Cloud-Init works in Proxmox and when it makes sense to use it. Watch the full video:ow.ly/k53t50XXqCK 🔜 Part 2 goes hands-on with building a Cloud-Init template #Proxmox #CloudInit #HomeLab #Virtualization #LearningLabs

Hey homelabbers, We’re filming a Q&A 💭 video with Zack and want to hear from you. Drop your questions in the comments and Zack might answer them in the video.

If your homelab breaks every time you touch networking, this video will finally make it click. We break down Houston networking the right way — WireGuard VPNs, bonds, bridges, VLANs, and how Linux networking pieces actually fit together in a real homelab or NAS setup. Running Proxmox, ZFS, Ceph, or 10G networking? This will help you understand LACP vs Active-backup, VLAN trunking, VM bridges, and more. if you missed it, check it out: youtube.com/watch?v=uVbUGW… #homelab #networking #wireguard #proxmox #zfs #vlans

In case you missed it 👇 Are you paying for SSH features that should be free? We recently compared Termix vs Termius to answer a question many in the homelab community are asking: Is a self-hosted, open-source alternative finally ready to replace a paid SSH client? In this video we break down Termix, a forever-free, self-hosted server management platform that brings together SSH terminals, tunnels, file management, and Docker controls in one clean UI. We also look at: • Termix vs Termius (free vs paid features) • Privacy and data ownership trade-offs • Cross-device sync and usability • Which tool makes the most sense for homelabs, Proxmox servers, and Docker-heavy setups If you care about data ownership, avoiding subscriptions, and running your infrastructure your way, this one’s worth a watch. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=Jw6vh2… If you missed it the first time, check it out and let us know: what SSH client are you using for your homelab right now? #Homelab #SSH #OpenSource #SelfHosted #Docker #Proxmox #DevOps

45Drives is heading to Ceph Days Raleigh on March 25, 2026. This full-day event brings together Ceph experts, core contributors, partners, and community members to discuss the latest developments in the Ceph project, upcoming roadmap initiatives, and real-world deployments. The day will conclude with a networking reception for attendees. We’re also proud to share that Mitch Hall, Chief Architect at 45Drives and Ceph Foundation Board Member, will be presenting: “FastEC in Ceph Tentacle: A Technical Deep Dive into Next-Gen Erasure Coding Performance.” If you're in the Raleigh area and interested in open-source storage, Ceph innovation, and connecting with the community, this is a great opportunity to join the conversation. Register now to secure your spot: ow.ly/JzpT50YsyIp #Ceph #CephDays #OpenSourceStorage #RaleighNC #45Drives

For years, Proxmox users were told the same thing: if you want Docker, run it in a VM. With Proxmox VE 9.1, that advice may finally be changing. In this video, we explore native OCI container image support in Proxmox 9.1 and what it means for homelabs, small labs, and edge deployments. Proxmox can now pull OCI images directly from registries like Docker Hub, GHCR, and other container registries and run them as LXC containers—no Docker daemon and no dedicated Docker VM required. We walk through how this works in practice and show it running in our #HL15Beast homelab server, highlighting real-world performance, current limitations, and why the hardware platform still matters for container workloads. Since this feature is still marked as a tech preview, we also discuss what works today, what still breaks, and when running Docker in a VM or Kubernetes may still be the better approach. We also compare LXC vs Docker, explain how OCI images integrate into the Proxmox ecosystem, and why this update could significantly reduce VM sprawl in modern homelab environments. youtube.com/watch?v=FmIXaq… #Proxmox #ProxmoxVE #Docker #LXC #OCI #Homelab #SelfHosting #Virtualization #EdgeComputing

Built for homelab enthusiasts who want enterprise-grade storage at home. The HL8 Storage Server delivers high-capacity storage and powerful media streaming in a clean, modular design. Made in North America, it features a tool-less chassis built with steel and screws , so you can easily open it, modify it, and make it your own. Its open design gives you the flexibility to upgrade, customize, and experiment as your homelab evolves. Curious to see what the HL8 can do? 👉 Learn more. store.45homelab.com/configure/hl8

Thinking about leaving Discord for more security and control? Two popular self-hosted alternatives are getting attention: This is Part 1. Stoat – designed to feel like Discord but self-hosted, with servers, channels, roles, and voice. Matrix with Element – a decentralized messaging platform focused on privacy and flexibility. If you're moving toward self-hosting for security, these are two paths worth exploring. Watch the full video on 45Homelab: youtube.com/watch?v=fQoXPP…

Cloud-Init is one of the easiest ways to automate VM deployments in Proxmox. Instead of manually configuring networking, SSH keys, and users every time you spin up a VM, Cloud-Init applies those settings automatically during the first boot. Perfect for: • Kubernetes clusters • Ceph environments • Repeatable VM templates • Infrastructure-as-code workflows Watch the full video to see how it works: youtube.com/watch?v=UcwShN… #Proxmox #CloudInit #DevOps #Homelab #Virtualization #Linux

👀 Got a question for Zachary Perry? We’re putting together a 45Homelab Q&A video, and instead of us guessing what people want to know… we figured we’d just ask you. Building a new homelab? Trying to decide between ZFS, Ceph, or something else? Wondering how people are actually using their 45Homelab systems? Curious about hardware choices, networking, tuning performance, or even future ideas for the platform? Drop your questions below 👇 Nothing is too basic or too nerdy. If it’s about homelabs, storage, hardware, or our systems, we want to hear it. We’ll pick questions from this thread and answer as many as we can in the upcoming video with Zach. Let’s see what the community wants to know. 🔧

We put Arcane head-to-head with Portainer to see how this newer, compose-first Docker management UI stacks up against the long-standing king of container dashboards. youtube.com/watch?v=XGZk3O… #docker #homelab #selfhosted #devops #portainer #linux #tech #sysadmin

NetBird or Tailscale, which one actually fits your environment? In this video, we break down how these WireGuard-based mesh VPNs compare in practice, not just on feature lists. We look at encrypted mesh networking, NAT traversal, subnet routing, exit nodes, DNS, access controls, and SSH workflows plus the critical tradeoff between self-hosting and managed control planes. If you’re building a homelab, supporting a growing team, or evaluating zero-trust networking, this comparison gives you the clarity to choose with confidence. ▶️ Watch the full video: youtube.com/watch?v=jnGsSt… #WireGuard #VPN #ZeroTrust #Homelab #Networking #OpenSource #IT

If your homelab gets unstable the moment networking gets involved, this will help. In this video, we break down Houston networking clearly and practically: • WireGuard (VPN) • Bonds vs Teams • Bridges • VLANs • How Linux networking layers actually fit together • When to use each in a NAS or serious homelab environment The demo system is an HL15 2.0 with an ASRock ROMED8-2T, multiple 10G NICs, LSI 9400-16i, and GPU. Once you’re running ZFS, SMB/NFS, containers, and VMs, networking design matters. If you’re building or scaling a 45Homelab system, this walkthrough connects the dots. Watch the full video now: youtube.com/watch?v=uVbUGW… #45Homelab #Homelab #LinuxNetworking #WireGuard #ZFS #10Gig #NAS #SelfHosted

Built with feedback from the homelab community, this next-generation 5U server expands on our best-selling HL15 with more space, more flexibility, and more power. • 15 direct-wired 3.5" HDD bays • 8 dedicated 2.5" SATA SSD bays • E-ATX motherboard support • Clearance for large CPU coolers and full-size GPUs • Optimized airflow with Noctua fans • Designed, manufactured, and assembled in North America From AI workloads to media production and serious self-hosting, the HL15 Beast is ready: store.45homelab.com/configure/hl15… #HL15Beast #Homelab #SelfHosting #45Drives #StorageServer #NorthAmericaMade

Missed this one? 👀 In this video, we break down Termix the forever-free, self-hosted server management platform that brings SSH, tunnels, file management, and Docker controls together in one clean UI. We put it head-to-head with Termius comparing free vs. paid tiers, privacy trade-offs, cross-device sync, and which one actually makes sense for homelabs, Proxmox servers, and Docker-heavy setups. ow.ly/qiTs50YnNts And if you want a Part 2 where we go even deeper (setup walkthrough, performance test, real deployment scenarios), drop a comment below 👇🔥