DIY KVM over IP

Managing My Homelab Server: Challenges and Solutions

 

 

Managing a homelab server has always been a fun, yet sometimes frustrating experience. Over time, as I've added various PCIe expansion cards to enhance storage, graphics, and network capabilities, I've faced a range of challenges that have pushed me to rethink my approach to server management. While these expansions have significantly increased the performance and functionality of my server, they’ve also added complexity to its upkeep and manual interactions with a computer I want to have running headlessly.

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Why Add PCIe Storage to My Homelab?

One of the first upgrades I made to my server was adding an HBA PCIe card to allow for additional storage. The primary reason for this is that I wanted to utilize cheap, used decommissioned SAS drives from eBay, typically from data centers looking to offload used out-of-compliance equipment. Used server-grade storage, particularly SAS drives, is often far more affordable than new consumer-grade SSDs or HDDs, and they offer impressive durability and performance, particularly when used in RAID configurations.

However, there’s a catch: these used drives come with inherent risks. They typically have a limited life expectancy, especially considering the heavy write cycles that have worn them down. To mitigate this, you can implement RAID and/or ZFS to create redundancy. RAID offers the ability to recover from a drive failure, while ZFS provides both data integrity and the ability to handle failures more gracefully. Still, these drives are not a long-term solution, and I’m fully aware that failure is inevitable, and it is just a matter of when. But the cost savings make the trade-off worthwhile, and with the right setup, I’m confident I can protect my data for the foreseeable future by creating mirrored storage via RAID and ZFS.

Why Add PCIe Graphics to My Homelab?

The next major addition was a dedicated GPU, and this decision was driven largely by the rapid advancement of generative AI and the growing need for hardware capable of handling AI model inference and training. Additionally a GPU speeds up tasks such as cracking hashed passwords, which I use in penetration testing exercises and running complex AI algorithms, tasks that would otherwise take an impractical amount of time on CPU-based systems.

Why Add PCIe Network Interfaces to My Homelab?

Networking is another area where PCIe cards have proved invaluable. While it’s possible to test various network configurations, VLANs, and routing/switching setups with dedicated network hardware, it’s often more cost-effective to simply add additional NIC (Network Interface Cards) to my homelab server and virtualize enterprsie-level network equipment. Network interfaces are cheaper than purchasing dedicated networking equipment like routers, switches, and firewalls, and they allow me to simulate and test complex network topologies without breaking the bank.

For example, I use pfSense and OPNsense to virtualize router and switch functions on my server, which lets me run a complete testing environment for networking without needing to buy multiple pieces of hardware. With several NICs installed, I can create isolated networks, test different VLAN configurations, and experiment with various security measures like firewall rules—all within a single machine. This flexibility makes PCIe network cards an indispensable tool in my homelab, particularly for testing and learning about advanced networking concepts.

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DIY KVM vs. Server-Grade IP KVM

As my homelab server grew, I realized that managing a headless system remotely would require a solution for centralized access without having to connect peripherals, or even physically interacting with it. That's where a KVM over IP switch comes in. A KVM over IP solution allows you to control a system remotely from POST to OS boot, which is essential for anyone running a homelab.

While server-grade KVM over IP chipsets and switches are available, they come at a steep price. These solutions offer professional-grade features like remote management over the network, video output capture, and enhanced security features, but they also come with a hefty price tag and often require expensive licensing. For someone like me, running a homelab primarily for personal use and testing, the cost of a server-grade KVM over IP hardware and licensing is simply not justifiable.

Dell's proprietary KVM over IP: Dell iDRAC
HP's proprietary KVM over IP: HP iLO

Instead, I opted for a DIY solution, which has been surprisingly effective. Using open-source software and repurposed hardware, I created a low-cost KVM over IP system that allows me to manage my server remotely without breaking the bank. This solution does require more effort to set up, but the savings are substantial, and it provides all the functionality I need for remote server management. With the right tools, a DIY IP KVM can be just as effective as a commercial option, especially if you're comfortable with tinkering and configuration.

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PiKVM

Expanding my homelab with PCIe cards for storage, graphics, and networking has definitely improved the capabilities of my server. However, it has also added complexity to the management process. Each new PCIe card introduces additional layers of configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. But for me, the benefits—affordable storage, powerful AI processing, and flexible networking—far outweigh the challenges.

If you're thinking about expanding your own homelab, consider carefully how software and hardware instability will fit and impact into your overall setup. Make sure to balance performance improvements with the potential increase in complexity.

Materials:

- Pi Zero 2 W

- Geekwork C779 HDMI bridge

- 3D printer

- PLA+ filament

Software and instruction to prepare your Raspberry Pi Zero 2W: PiKVM documentation

Unfortunately I could not find a 3D housing on popular community projects to enclose the hardware used in this project to safely protect my hardware, and my pets. I was able to create a 3D printed enclosure using TinkerCAD, a online-based CAD tool to create 3D models to print. 

My 3D enclosure model I created: TinkerCAD STL

There are tolerances I have yet to fix, 3D development is not my specialty nor my focus.  Feel free to modify this basic enclosure.