The Homelab Site
Real-world homelab notes, Docker Compose examples, self-hosted applications, and lessons learned from running my own infrastructure.
I run Docker services across three Ubuntu servers, with a Synology NAS providing shared storage for backups and media. This site documents the applications I use, the problems I have encountered, and the configurations that have worked for me.
Start Here
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Synology DS223 for a Homelab: What I Use It For—and What I Don’t — An honest look at how I use my Synology DS223 for shared storage, backups, media and photos—and why I run Docker elsewhere.
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How I Mount Synology NFS Shares for Docker — A practical guide to mounting Synology storage on Ubuntu and making it available to Docker containers through bind mounts.
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How I Back Up My Homelab — How I back up Docker data from three Ubuntu servers to my Synology NAS using automated rsync snapshots and retention.
Docker & Infrastructure
Practical notes about managing Docker, networking, backups, reverse proxies, and multiple servers.
- Why I Use Docker Compose
- How I Organise My Docker Folders
- How I Manage Docker Across Three Servers
- What Is a Reverse Proxy?
- Automated Docker Compose Backups
Applications
Installation and configuration notes for applications I have run in my homelab, including:
- Home Assistant
- Jellyfin
- Immich
- Paperless-ngx
- Homebox
- Vaultwarden
- BookStack
- Guacamole
Use the site navigation to see the complete list of application guides.
Monitoring & Alerts
I use several services to monitor my homelab and send notifications when something needs attention.
This section also covers Home Assistant automations and notification projects.
Storage & Backups
My Synology DS223 provides shared storage for Docker backups, Jellyfin media, Immich photos, and other files used across my Ubuntu servers.
- How I Back Up My Homelab
- How I Mount Synology NFS Shares for Docker
- Synology DS223 for a Homelab: What I Use It For—and What I Don’t
Homelab Tools
These browser-based utilities handle a few repetitive jobs without requiring an account or uploading configuration files to a third-party service.
- Docker Compose Formatter
- Docker Run to Docker Compose Converter
- Secure Token Generator
- Basic Auth Generator
- Random Port Generator
About This Site
The Homelab Site is based on systems I have installed, configured, maintained, or repaired myself. It focuses on useful working configurations and honest troubleshooting notes rather than enterprise-scale complexity.
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