How to set up a linux home server.

[Pratyay67]

I have set up a home network ( only connected and checked ), the connection diagram of which is given in the link below:

http://imgur.com/vJ8eOSn

Also, I had opened a discussion about setting up the network, the link to which is:

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3028677/building-home-network.html

Now that I have completed the connections, and am ready to set the home server up, a question comes to my mind.

What's the best option for the software that will run the server? I have a bit of knowledge in c programming, it might serve as a background.
I am told that Linux is probably the best bet for me, as I want a number of things to be running in one server. NAS, VPN and media player possibly. What's best for me here, considering my background?

After deciding on the server software, I will do everything on my own, so it'll be a headstart for me if I can get some supporting ideas and documentation.

 

[kanewolf]

The biggest issue I see is that you are positioning that server to be your main router and firewall. And you want server duties also. Why wouldn't you use a router appliance before the server? Separate that functionality.

 

[Pratyay67]

My bad. I had updated the design later.

Here it is: http://imgur.com/7CmCqTz

 

[kanewolf]

That makes more sense. What I would recommend is that your 8 port switch be a 16 or 24 port switch and that you run all your wired connectivity to that switch. A single uplink from that switch to the router for internet traffic. That is the way I have my network setup.

FreeNAS may be your best bet for the server OS. You should investigate it -- www.freenas.org

 

[imort]

What's the best option for the software that will run the server? I have a bit of knowledge in c programming, it might serve as a background.
I am told that Linux is probably the best bet for me, as I want a number of things to be running in one server. NAS, VPN and media player possibly. What's best for me here, considering my background?

Hey
I think that Linux will be a good solution for you if you didn't mind about some console magic

I can suggest you to use Debian or Ubuntu server. You also can use Ubuntu desktop if you'd like to have GUI interface on your server, but I'm personally used to console only. It's personal.

Take a look here for some ideas for how you can use your own home Linux server by the way.

I'm using it as a GitLab CE instance and a Plex multimedia server mostly. Forgot about Samba server with backup folders too.

It's not too hard to install and configure all above, so ask here if you'll have any questions
Will try to help.

 

[Pratyay67]

Hey
I think that Linux will be a good solution for you if you didn't mind about some console magic

I can suggest you to use Debian or Ubuntu server. You also can use Ubuntu desktop if you'd like to have GUI interface on your server, but I'm personally used to console only. It's personal.

Take a look here for some ideas for how you can use your own home Linux server by the way.

I'm using it as a GitLab CE instance and a Plex multimedia server mostly. Forgot about Samba server with backup folders too.

It's not too hard to install and configure all above, so ask here if you'll have any questions
Will try to help.

That's a lot of unknown terms for me being thrown at once. For now, I just want to get the server up and running; will add functionalities later on when I gather experience. Like I said, I only have a bit of knowledge in C programming.
To begin with, I want VPN, media player and storage services.

 

[Pratyay67]

That makes more sense. What I would recommend is that your 8 port switch be a 16 or 24 port switch and that you run all your wired connectivity to that switch. A single uplink from that switch to the router for internet traffic. That is the way I have my network setup.

FreeNAS may be your best bet for the server OS. You should investigate it -- www.freenas.org

Can freenas serve my VPN requirements?

 

[kanewolf]

If you google "freenas vpn endpoint" you will see articles on setting up OpenVPN on a freenas host. You will have to read up to see if the capabilities are sufficient.