🧩 One Box to Rule Them All: A TrueNAS Homelab for Media, Security & Monitoring
Building a self-hosted server using TrueNAS SCALE for media streaming, network security, and system monitoring
Over the past few weeks, I've been building and optimizing a powerful, self-hosted server using TrueNAS SCALE — and I'm excited to share what it's now capable of!
🧰 Hardware & Setup
Platform: TrueNAS SCALE (bare-metal install on repurposed Lenovo Legion T530-28ICB)
CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 (8 cores)
RAM: 16GB (non-ECC)
Storage:
20TB WDC HDD (ZFS dataset: "Oblivion")
12.7TB WD Elements external HDD (ZFS dataset: "DarkPortal")
238GB Lexar SATA SSD ("Apps")
238GB Toshiba NVMe SSD (boot device)
Network: Wired Ethernet with Host networking mode enabled for most apps
🎯 Purpose
To centralize media, enhance network-wide privacy, and build a flexible, always-on platform for self-hosted services accessible securely from anywhere.
✅ What I've Set Up
Plex Media Server – Personal streaming server for media
AdGuard Home – DNS-level ad and tracker blocking for all network devices
Netdata – Real-time monitoring and performance dashboards
ZFS Dataset Management – Dedicated datasets for each service, ensuring better data hygiene and control
Docker Containers via TrueNAS SCALE – Services containerized and managed with dataset bindings
📡 Remote Access
WebUI access for management and configuration
SSH for advanced troubleshooting and tweaks
Plans for secure VPN access in the near future
🧪 Lessons Learned
Docker volume permissions and user mapping can be deceptively tricky
Host networking simplified service visibility and port issues
ZFS is a game-changer — snapshots, compression, and redundancy offer immense peace of mind
📌 Next Goals
Host personal website and portfolio
Implement cloud-based encrypted backups
Possibly try Home Assistant or launch a private game server for LAN parties and retro game emulation
Host services for 3D printing side business
💡 This journey has taught valuable lessons about systems administration, security, self-hosting, and digital independence. It's been equal parts challenge and reward — and just getting started.
