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Containerization ​

  • Docker: For running lightweight containers for services like Nextcloud, Vaultwarden.
  • Kubernetes (K3s):
    • A lightweight Kubernetes distribution (K3s) is deployed to manage containerized applications across multiple nodes in the homelab.
    • Cluster Setup:
      • Master Nodes: 1 master node for managing the control plane.
      • Worker Nodes: 2 worker nodes for running applications.
    • Roles:
      • Master Node: Manages the Kubernetes API and cluster orchestration.
      • Worker Nodes: Execute containerized workloads across services like monitoring, home automation, and web applications.
    • Applications Deployed on Kubernetes:
      • Nextcloud: Self-hosted cloud storage.
      • Grafana and Prometheus: Monitoring and metrics.
      • Plex: Media server.
    • Storage: Persistent volumes managed using NFS or local storage.
    • Networking: Flannel CNI (Container Network Interface) for internal cluster

6. Orchestration and Kubernetes Cluster ​

6.1 Kubernetes Cluster Overview ​

  • A Kubernetes cluster is used to orchestrate and manage containerized workloads across multiple nodes in the homelab. The cluster helps with scaling, fault tolerance, and simplified deployment of services.

6.2 Cluster Setup ​

  • Kubernetes Distribution: K3s (lightweight Kubernetes)
  • Number of Nodes:
    • Master Nodes: 1 (control plane)
    • Worker Nodes: 2 (compute resources)
  • Networking:
    • CNI Plugin: Flannel for internal cluster networking.
    • Service Networking: ClusterIP for internal services, NodePort for exposing services externally.

6.3 Applications Deployed on Kubernetes ​

  • Nextcloud: Self-hosted cloud storage solution for files and documents.
  • Home Assistant: Home automation system managing smart home devices.
  • Vaultwarden: Self-hosted password manager.
  • Grafana and Prometheus: Monitoring and metrics collection.
  • Plex: Media server for managing and streaming media.

6.4 Storage and Persistent Volumes ​

  • Storage: Persistent storage managed via NFS or hostPath.
  • Persistent Volume Claims: Used to allocate persistent storage to services that require data persistence (e.g., Nextcloud, databases).

6.5 CI/CD Integration ​

  • The Kubernetes cluster integrates with GitLab CI for continuous deployment and management of applications within the cluster.
  • Helm: Used for managing Kubernetes applications through reusable Helm charts.

6.6 Cluster Management Tools ​

  • K9s: Terminal-based UI for managing Kubernetes clusters.
  • kubectl: Command-line tool for interacting with the Kubernetes API.
  • Rancher (optional): Web-based GUI for managing multiple Kubernetes clusters.

Kubernetes cluster ​

Docker ​

Podman ​