After organizing my HomeLab with the Snipe-IT Inventory Solution in the last episode HomeLab Stage XL Assset Management, it was time to focus a little bit more on network performance…..
As you know, I am running two datacenters at my house (number 3 is already planned). I am using 1GbE, 10GbE and 40GbE around the house. The gigabit part most of the time via RJ-45 copper cables and a few fibre connections. The 10GbE stuff is powered by DAC cables and also some fibre cables. The high speed 40GbE is done nearly 100% via optical cables, except one copper DAC cable.
I am a huge fan of the Ubiquiti stuff. Easy management, nice price and massive performance! I am running several models at my home:
Ubiquiti Switches:
For my two datacenters, I am using the 24 port 1GbE version without PoE (Datacenter II), the 48 port 1GbE version with PoE (for cameras etc), the 16 port 10GbE modell with SFP+ and RJ-45 ports and the main routing instance USG-XG-8. The 24 port 1GbE switch is connected via dual LACP channel to the 48 port switch and that is connected via dual LACP 10GbE to the 16 port 10GbE switch. The USG-XG-8 is linked also via 10GbE.
Around the house are several 8 Port 1GbE PoE switches, for daily use and another 16 port 1GbE Non-PoE switch in the garage for camera and car connections. These switches are connected to the 48 port switch via 1GbE connections.
Ubiquiti Access Points:
I am also using their WiFi access points, all connected via 1GbE cables. One of them in the basement, inside my office. One in the kitchen, in the main room and one in the upper level. The perform great and without any problems. Two are placed outside of the house: one in the garage (for car coding etc….) and one in the outdoor kitchen (you need a stable and performant WiFi network at your BBQ station) Inside are the AC-Pro versions installed and outside the AC-LR (Long Range). Wherever I am, there is always a fast wireless connection available.
Dell Switches (S6000 + R2210):
My 40GbE connections are made from the Dell S6000 switch. It has 32 ports configured with 40GbE and some with 4 x 10GbE. I have done port channels (to my Ubiquiti 10GbE switch . Nearly every ESXi host is connected to this switch for maximum performance. I already have plans to connect also my workstation via 40GbE 🙂
The R2210 switch is connected via portchannel LACP to my Ubiquiti 16 port 10GbE switch. Each Dell M640 Blade is connected via 4 x 10GbE to the R2210 inside the chassis. The 1GbE ports of the R2210 are not used.
Velocloud(s):
As already mentioned in my HomeLab Stage XXXVII: Velocloud I have 4 different internet connections at my house. Three wired connections (2 x Cable Provider and 1 x ADSL) and one LTE connection with unlimited data transfer. The LTE connection (antenna on the house roof) via the Vodafone Gigacube is routed through the house to the Velocloud Edge system.
The ADSL link is patched to one GE port on the Edge, the same is done for each Cable internet connection. The Edge itself is connected via 10GbE to my USG-XG-8 and that is connected also via 10GbE to my Ubiquiti 16 port 10GbE switch.
The next logical step inside my HomeLab will be the High Availability Setup for the Velocloud….. That means, I need a second Edge 840…..
Stay tuned for the next episodes of my HomeLab journey…..
Here is the next one: HomeLab Stage XLII: Monster NAS