Home Lab - Private Cloud on a budget

Track: Cloud Technology
Abstract
Ever wanted to run your own private cloud but thought it was out of reach due to cost? Think again! In this session, we'll show you how to build a powerful, cost-effective private cloud in your own home using Proxmox, TrueNAS, and pfSense—all without breaking the bank.

Whether you're a developer, a sysadmin, or just a tech enthusiast, this session will walk you through everything you need to know, from acquiring affordable hardware to setting up and managing your home lab. By the end of this session, you'll be well-equipped to create a reliable and secure private cloud at home.

This talk offers a step-by-step guide to building a private cloud at home using cost-effective methods, focusing on acquiring affordable hardware, utilizing free software, and managing the setup in a home lab environment.

- Acquire Cheap Hardware - Learn how to source and select affordable hardware that meets the requirements for running a home lab capable of supporting a private cloud infrastructure.

- Utilize Free Software - Discover how to leverage Proxmox, TrueNAS, and pfSense—powerful and free tools that allow you to create a fully functional private cloud without costly licenses.

- Use a Homelab - Understand how to set up, configure, and maintain a home lab environment, turning your inexpensive hardware and free software into a robust private cloud solution.

Attendees will leave this session with a clear understanding of how to build and manage their own private cloud on a budget. They will learn how to select the right hardware, utilize powerful open-source software, and set up a home lab that enables them to experiment with and deploy cloud-based applications securely and efficiently. Whether for personal projects, learning, or small-scale deployments, attendees will gain the skills to create a reliable private cloud environment at home.
Jared Rhodes
Jared Rhodes has been in the IT industry for over fifteen years and got his big break by when a team of mechanicals and electrical engineers needed "that coded in C". He now is a leader in Microsoft Technologies helping to deliver everything from Security to Cloud Native solutions with a soft spot for on-premises Edge and IoT. Jared's journey in the IT industry may have started with a simple task of helping three sensors make a sonar array, but he has since climbed the ranks to become a humorous voice in the world of cloud computing. With a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, Jared has lived the life of an IT professional and has plenty of stories to tell and the scars to prove them. His journey has given him a deep understanding of the evolution of technology and has equipped him with the skills to succeed in today's hybrid cloud world. Whether you're looking for tips on navigating complex systems or just need a good laugh, Jared is the one for the job.