Docs

Homelab planning docs for builders who want the wiring to make sense.

These pages explain how to use HLBuilder before buying gear: draw the network, size hardware around workloads, and place self-hosted services where they belong.

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Planning topics

Homelab network planning

Plan routers, switches, access points, IP ranges, and disconnected devices before the first cable is moved.

Homelab hardware sizing

Convert services and storage goals into compute nodes, NAS capacity, RAM headroom, power needs, and expansion room.

Self-hosted service planning

Decide where DNS, reverse proxy, monitoring, media, storage, and experiments should run in the lab.

SEO articles with visual examples

These articles answer focused homelab planning questions and include static diagrams that use components from the HLBuilder visual canvas.

Network diagrams Builder visual

Homelab network diagram examples

See router, switch, server, NAS, access point, and service host examples.
Topology Builder visual

Router and switch homelab topology

Plan the gateway, core switch, access point, NAS, and service host path.
Storage layout Builder visual

Home server and NAS network layout

Keep storage and compute roles visible before buying parts.
Mini PC cluster Builder visual

Mini PC cluster homelab layout

Map several small compute hosts, shared storage, and switch capacity.
Media services Builder visual

Self-hosted media server layout

Place the media host, media library, access point, and clients.
Backups Builder visual

Homelab backup network layout

Show backup storage, service hosts, UPS coverage, and restore paths.
IP planning Builder visual

Homelab IP address planning

Use the saved topology and node roles before reviewing address assignments.
Wi-Fi layout Builder visual

Wi-Fi access point homelab layout

Separate wireless clients from wired servers and storage.
Rack planning Builder visual

Homelab rack layout planning

Plan rack, switch, server, NAS, UPS, and PDU roles together.
Power planning Builder visual

UPS and power planning for a homelab

Make protected power and rack outlets visible in the same topology.

How these docs map to HLBuilder

  1. Use the visual builder to place routers, switches, access points, NAS units, servers, mini PCs, SBCs, UPS units, and racks.
  2. Connect the topology so HLBuilder can calculate network assignments from the saved layout instead of guessing from isolated devices.
  3. Browse the hardware catalog and service library when the plan needs real parts or workloads instead of placeholder names.