Networking and Home Lab: the Series¶
A series on how networks work, from the basics to running a home lab on a NAS with Docker. The early posts explain the building blocks; the later ones apply them to a real home network.
| Post | What it covers | Part of |
|---|---|---|
| What Is a Network? (LAN, WAN, PAN Explained Simply) | This post introduces the basic concept of networks using relatable scenarios. It explains the differences between LAN, WAN, and PAN, with real-world use cases like home internet, office networks, and Bluetooth devices. The goal is to ground the reader in what networks are and why they matter. | Networking |
| Network Topologies: Star, Bus, Mesh and More | This article explores different network topologies, such as star, bus, and mesh. It breaks down the pros and cons of each, where they're commonly used, and their impact on reliability and performance. A great primer before diving into how data actually moves through these structures. | Networking |
| Understanding the 4-Layer TCP/IP Model | This post demystifies the 4-layer model that underpins modern networking. Each layer is explained with examples of protocols and real-world applications, using metaphors and visuals to keep it grounded and digestible. Essential foundation for understanding more advanced network behaviour. | Not written yet |
| Switches and Routers: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters | Here we define what switches and routers are, how they differ, and why they matter in your home or enterprise network. We explore how switches use MAC addresses to forward data and how routers manage traffic between networks using IPs. NAT and basic routing are introduced. | Networking |
| Wired vs Wireless: Ethernet and Wi-Fi Compared | A comparison of Ethernet and Wi-Fi, including use-cases, pros and cons, and when to choose one over the other. It covers cabling standards, signal interference, and introduces concepts like Wi-Fi mesh networking. Ideal for home users deciding how to set up their networks. | Networking |
| IP Addresses and Subnetting Demystified | This article breaks down the often-intimidating subject of IP addresses and subnetting. It uses analogies and diagrams to explain how IPs are structured, how subnets work, and why they matter in network planning. Includes simple CIDR examples for clarity. | Networking |
| MAC Addresses and ARP: Finding Devices on a Network | Focuses on how MAC addresses identify devices and how ARP resolves IP to MAC. Introduces basic Layer 2 networking and the concept of spoofing. Ties into switch functionality and potential network attacks like ARP spoofing. | Networking |
| How Devices Join the Network: DHCP Explained | A detailed look at how DHCP works to assign IP addresses. Explains what leases are, how reservations function, and how static IPs differ. This is foundational for understanding network configuration. | Networking |
| NAT and Port Forwarding: Talking to the Outside World | Explains the concepts of Network Address Translation (NAT) and port forwarding using real-world home networking setups. It clarifies how internal devices access the internet and how incoming traffic is routed correctly. Covers issues like double NAT and gaming/router compatibility. | Networking |
| TCP vs UDP: Choosing the Right Transport Protocol | Compares TCP and UDP, detailing how each protocol handles data transmission. Describes scenarios where each is preferable, such as TCP for file transfers and UDP for streaming or gaming. Includes packet structure and connection flow visuals. | Networking |
| DNS: The Internet's Directory Service | Provides a comprehensive look at how DNS works, including query resolution, caching, and modern security enhancements like DNSSEC and DoH. Practical uses like ad-blocking via Pi-hole are included to anchor theory in reality. | Networking |
| Common Application Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, IMAP | Overviews popular application-layer protocols, explaining what they do and where they are used. The post touches on security considerations and includes a summary table of default ports and functions. | Networking |
| SSL/TLS: The Technology Behind HTTPS | Demystifies how SSL/TLS provides secure communications over the web. It walks through certificate chains, how HTTPS works, and common issues like expired certificates. Practical tips on checking and managing SSL for websites are included. | Not written yet |
| Firewalls: What They Are and Why You Need One | Explains how firewalls protect networks by filtering traffic. Covers basic concepts like packet filtering, stateful inspection, and application-aware firewalls. Real examples from home and enterprise use cases provided. | Networking |
| Authentication, Authorisation, Accounting (AAA) | Clarifies the distinct but related concepts of AAA. Shows how they're implemented in enterprise and home environments, particularly with Wi-Fi networks, VPNs, and logging systems. | Networking |
| Encryption Basics: Protecting Data in Transit and at Rest | Introduces the core principles of encryption, from symmetric key methods to public key infrastructure. Includes examples of when and where different types are used — from HTTPS to full-disk encryption. | Networking |
| Virtual LANs (VLANs): Network Segmentation 101 | Outlines how VLANs are used to logically segment networks without extra hardware. Explains tagging, trunk ports, and gives a practical home setup using managed switches. | Networking |
| VPNs: Secure Tunnels for Remote Access and Privacy | Details how VPNs work and the differences between types. Practical uses in remote work, privacy, and securing IoT setups. Discusses key protocols like IPsec and OpenVPN. | Networking |
| How the Internet Actually Works (ISPs, IXPs, Routing) | Describes the global architecture of the internet, including ISPs, peering points, and routing protocols like BGP. Explains how data traverses networks and what happens when it goes wrong. | Networking |
| QoS: Prioritising Traffic for Smooth Performance | Explains how Quality of Service works to prioritise critical network traffic. Covers DSCP tags, traffic shaping, and where it's useful (like VoIP or streaming). | Networking |
| Home Network Design: Tips from a Real Setup | Gives a real-world walkthrough of a modern home network with advanced features like VLANs, ad-blocking, and local DNS. Explains the rationale behind architecture choices and offers setup tips. | Home lab |
| NAS: What It Is and Why You Might Want One | Describes what a NAS does and how it's useful in homes and small offices. Looks at common protocols, media streaming, and backup setups. Includes real deployment options and pitfalls. | Home lab |
| IoT Networking: Smart Devices and Their Challenges | Looks at how IoT devices connect to networks and the challenges they pose. Covers constrained protocols like MQTT and CoAP, IPv6 implications, and best practices for securing IoT environments. | Home lab |
| ARP Spoofing, MAC Filtering and Network Fingerprinting | Explores advanced Layer 2 attacks and how to defend against them. Discusses ARP spoofing, MAC address filtering, and passive network fingerprinting. | Home lab |
| Using VLANs and Subnets for Smart Home Security | Practical guide to using VLANs and subnetting to improve smart home network security. Offers real configuration tips, use cases, and security rationales. | Home lab |
| Running a Local DNS and DHCP Server for Your Home Lab | Shows how and why to run your own DNS/DHCP for a home lab or advanced home setup. Explains the tools, benefits like faster lookups, and additional features like conditional forwarding. | Home lab |
| Powering a Home Lab with Docker and Synology NAS | This post introduces Docker as the engine behind your modular, self-hosted infrastructure. It explains how to use Docker on a Synology NAS with Portainer as a GUI to manage containers. It also introduces your key use-cases: dashboards, observability, developer tools, and monitoring. | Home lab |
| Observability and Monitoring in a Home Network | A practical guide on how to monitor your home network, device health, and internet uptime using Dockerised observability tools. Describes how each tool contributes to visibility: from container stats to uptime checks and speed tests. | Home lab |
| Essential Dashboards for Home Labs: Heimdall, Homarr, Flame | Showcases dashboard and launchpad tools that provide clean, user-friendly frontends for managing services. Explains how they integrate with your containers, how to configure them, and their strengths. | Home lab |
| Development and Documentation Tools in Containers | Covers self-hosted developer productivity tools running in Docker. From editing code remotely to sketching diagrams and hosting a knowledge wiki, these tools provide a powerful dev environment right on your NAS. | Home lab |
| Network Tools and Automation in Docker | Highlights how to automate your smart home, document architectures, and track IP/network changes using Dockerised tools. Great for tinkerers, home automation fans, and tech organisers. | Home lab |
| Keeping Docker in Check with Watchtower | Shows how Watchtower automatically updates your containers, the pros and cons of automated updates, and when to pin versions. It’s your CI-lite in a home lab. | Home lab |