Stage XXX: Massive Expansion

New Rack:

After completing the last part: HomeLab Stage XXIX: 40GbE it was time for something new. I decided to massivly expand my HomeLab / HomeDC. At this time, my HomeLab consists of 2 racks, one with 42U inside DC1 and an 25U inside DC2.

I was able to get a 42U IBM Enterprise Rack from a friend, who don´t needed it anymore. I redesigned DC1 (basement room with a dedicated ventilation system installed) and made more space available.

After several hours it got installed correctly. I wanted to have a separation of hot and cold air. Both racks are standing now face towards the cold air intake to make sure, that every component get´s enough air and the heated air goes into the room.

The racks installed looked OK, but not fancy enough for me…

After installing some wood plates and adding some stickers, I like it a lot….

After removing every single server, switch and system I reinstalled everything in a new order. The rack on the left only holds the network environment as well as the storage subsystems. The rack on the right is now reserved for servers.

Memory Upgrade:

I was able to get some used memory modules for my entire setup. Every system got more memory at this time. Nearly every single solution, which I have implemented could need more memory resources. This upgrade was very welcome….

Rack Monitoring:

What is missing in my HomeLab / HomeDC what my customers have in place? A rack monitoring solution! It was time to invest in that area!

Rittal CMC is the answer for my environment. I bought two CMC management systems with the corresponding power supplies, as well as some sensors.

The CMC is network attached and communicates via a dedicated wire with all the connected sensors and systems. I bought temperature sensors, smoke detectors as well as power units to control fans.

No, I have the same monitoring in place, like most of my customers have. HomeDC instead of a HomeLab….

Check out the next stages of my HomeLab journey, because now I have free available rack space…..

Here is the new Stage XXXI: New Servers