2023 is fast approaching. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and most innovative homelab/self-hosted services and applications that you should have running in your homelab.
Argo CD is a continuous delivery tool for deploying applications in Kubernetes clusters. It allows developers to define their desired application state in Git, and then continuously syncs the deployed application to that desired state. Argo CD helps automate the deployment process and ensures that the deployed application stays in sync with the Git source. It also provides features for managing and rolling back application deployments, as well as integration with GitOps workflows. Make Git the source of truth, not that local YAML file.
Traefik is a modern HTTP reverse proxy and load balancer for microservices in Kubernetes clusters. It simplifies the process of routing traffic to the correct service by automatically detecting and reconfiguring itself when new services are added or removed. Traefik integrates with Kubernetes and other orchestration platforms to dynamically configure itself based on the current state of the cluster. It also provides features such as SSL/TLS termination, HTTP/2 support, and middleware for customizing request handling. Traefik is designed to be easy to use and operate, making it a popular choice for microservice architectures in Kubernetes environments.
Rancher is a platform for managing and deploying containerized applications in Kubernetes clusters. It provides a user-friendly interface for deploying and managing applications, as well as tools for monitoring and managing the underlying infrastructure. Rancher also includes features for managing multiple Kubernetes clusters, including the ability to deploy and manage clusters on various cloud providers and on-premises. Additionally, Rancher offers tools for configuration management, load balancing, and networking, making it a comprehensive platform for managing containerized applications in production environments.
TeamCity is a continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) platform that helps teams automate the build, test, and deployment of their applications. It provides a web-based interface for defining and managing build pipelines, as well as tools for monitoring and analyzing the results of those pipelines. TeamCity integrates with a wide range of tools and technologies, including version control systems, testing frameworks, and deployment tools, making it a flexible platform for building and deploying applications. It also offers features such as parallel builds, customizable build triggers, and integration with popular tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
SmokePing is a network monitoring tool that measures and records the latency and packet loss of network connections. It is designed to help network administrators identify and diagnose performance issues on their networks. SmokePing uses a combination of active and passive measurements to collect data, and then presents that data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. It can be configured to measure various types of network connections, including HTTP, DNS, ICMP, and TCP, and can be used to monitor both local and remote networks. SmokePing also includes features for alerting administrators when performance issues are detected, and for generating reports on the performance of the network over time.
Grafana is an open-source platform for visualizing and analyzing time-series data. It allows users to create and share interactive dashboards and graphs, using data from a variety of sources including databases, monitoring systems, and log files. Grafana is designed to be flexible and extensible, and can be integrated with a wide range of tools and technologies. It is often used for monitoring and alerting on the performance and availability of infrastructure and applications, and can be used to display real-time data as well as historical trends. Grafana also includes features for collaborating and sharing dashboards with teams, as well as integrations with various alerting systems.
Cloudflare Tunnels is a service offered by Cloudflare that allows users to securely connect to servers and other resources behind firewalls or in private networks. It uses the Cloudflare network to establish a secure and encrypted connection between the client and the server, allowing users to access resources as if they were on the same network. Cloudflare Tunnels can be used to access servers in a variety of situations, such as when working remotely, or when connecting to servers in a private network from a public network. It is designed to be easy to use and requires no special software or configuration on the client side. Best of all, you don’t have to open ports and poke holes in your home network.
Sonarr is a software application for organizing and downloading TV shows. It allows users to search and download TV shows from a variety of sources, and then automatically organize them into a library. Sonarr integrates with popular download clients such as BitTorrent and Usenet, and can be configured to automatically download new episodes of TV shows as they become available. It also includes features for managing and organizing the TV show library, such as the ability to rename and move files, and to automatically delete old episodes. Sonarr is designed to be easy to use and is popular among users who want to automate the process of downloading and organizing their TV show libraries.
K3s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution that is designed to be easy to install and operate. It includes a minimal set of components and is optimized for resource-constrained environments, making it well-suited for use in edge computing scenarios or on low-power devices. K3s is designed to be easy to upgrade and maintain, and includes features such as automatic updates and the ability to run multiple versions concurrently. It is also fully compatible with standard Kubernetes APIs and tools, allowing users to use the same tooling and processes that they would use with a full Kubernetes distribution.
Nextcloud is a self-hosted file sharing and collaboration platform that allows users to store and share files, as well as collaborate with team members in real-time. It includes features such as file syncing, version control, and collaboration tools such as document editing and task management. Nextcloud can be installed on a variety of platforms, including servers, desktop computers, and mobile devices, and can be accessed via the web or through native applications. It is designed to be secure and privacy-focused, and includes features such as end-to-end encryption and granular permissions controls. Nextcloud is a popular choice for organizations and individuals who want a private, self-hosted alternative to cloud-based file sharing and collaboration platforms.
Honorable Mention: Ghost is a popular open-source blogging platform that is designed to be simple, fast, and easy to use. It allows users to create and publish blog posts and pages, and includes features such as a WYSIWYG editor, SEO tools, and customizable themes. Ghost is built on Node.js and uses a Markdown-based content editor, making it easy for users to create and format content. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to install, and can be hosted on a variety of platforms, including cloud hosting providers and on-premises servers. Ghost is a popular choice for individuals and organizations who want a simple and lightweight platform for publishing content online.
Cheers,
Joe