Home NAS and Self-Hosted Server

This project started from the idea that many cloud services can disappear or lose data.
I wanted to have my own server at home, to store photos safely, run my personal projects, and keep control.

Hardware

Aoostar WTR Pro with AMD Ryzen 7 5825U (16 threads) - https://www.amazon.de/-/en/WTR-PRO-5825U-Contains-Operating/dp/B0DR1MYSQ4
Support for 64 GB RAM
4x3.5" HDD bays
2xNVMe slots
Upgraded with quiet fans and new thermal paste

Network Design

Server runs on 192.168.0.x network, behind NAT with no open ports
External VPS with VPN server, that acts as gateway towards the home server
As benefits, even if my ip will change, I can still access the home server via VPN

Software Setup

Ubuntu 24 LTS
NAS with Samba + ZFS + snapshots
Automatic backup to cloud and external HDD
Ansible playbook to fully restore the server if needed
Ansible playbook to fully restore the VPN server in case hosting provider will go offline
DLNA server for local media streaming
VPN server for secure remote access
Local DNS: home.kulikov.fi resolves only inside the network
HTTPS support with Let's Encrypt certificates

Features

Private photo storage and sharing
Media streaming over DLNA
Secure VPN access to home network
Local DNS with easy names for all services
Automated backups and recovery

Status

Main goals were finished in December 2024.
I continue to improve the server, but it already works as my personal home lab and secure storage.