Introduction
A home lab is only as reliable as the network supporting it.
As more devices, servers and automation systems were added, the network needed to evolve from a simple home setup into something capable of supporting self-hosted services, virtualisation and smart home technology.
This article documents the network infrastructure behind Realm Labs and how the different components work together.
The Goal
The aim was to create a network that was:
- Reliable
- Fast
- Easy to manage
- Expandable
- Suitable for both everyday use and experimentation
The network needed to support everything from laptops and phones to servers, NAS systems and automation equipment.
Internet Connection and Core Routing
The network begins with the internet connection and routing equipment.
The router provides the gateway between the home network and the outside world, managing:
- Internet access
- DHCP addressing
- Firewall protection
- Device connectivity
From this point, the connection feeds into the internal network.
Wired Infrastructure
Although wireless technology has improved significantly, wired networking remains the foundation of the home lab.
Ethernet provides reliable high-speed connections for:
- Servers
- Storage
- Desktop systems
- Network equipment
- Infrastructure devices
The core of the wired network is an HP 2810 managed switch.
The switch provides central connectivity for the lab and allows multiple devices to communicate efficiently.
Wireless Network
Wireless coverage is provided using a TP-Link Deco mesh system.
The Deco units provide:
- Whole-home coverage
- Seamless roaming
- Simple management
- Reliable connectivity for mobile devices
Wireless is primarily used for:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Smart home devices
- IoT equipment
Keeping high-bandwidth services wired leaves WiFi available for devices that need mobility.
Home Lab Devices
The network connects several key systems:
Synology NAS
Used for:
- Storage
- Backups
- Docker volumes
- Shared resources
Proxmox Infrastructure
Used for:
- Virtual machines
- Testing environments
- Server workloads
Raspberry Pi Devices
Used for:
- Automation
- Node-RED
- Home projects
Windows Domain Environment
Used for:
- User management
- Group Policy testing
- Device administration
Network Topology
The simplified layout:
Internet
|
Router
|
HP 2810 Switch
|
+--------------+--------------+
| | |
Synology Proxmox Desktop
|
Docker Services
|
TP-Link Deco
|
Wireless Devices
Future Improvements
As the lab continues to grow, future improvements may include:
- VLAN segmentation
- Improved monitoring
- Additional switching capacity
- Dedicated firewall solutions
- Better network documentation
The aim is not to overcomplicate the network, but to keep improving it as new projects require.
Conclusion
A strong network is the foundation that allows everything else in Realm Labs to exist.
From virtual machines and containers to smart home automation and AI experiments, every project depends on a reliable infrastructure underneath.
Building the network has been one of the most important steps in turning a collection of devices into a true home lab.