Building a Low-Cost Home Lab for Development and AI Playground 🏗️

In this presentation, we’ll explore how to design and build a cost-effective home lab environment to support software development, system administration, cybersecurity training, and emerging AI workflows. Using my current home lab as a real-world example, we’ll begin with a high-level overview of the architecture—highlighting key components such as the firewall, Plex server, and core lab server.

We’ll then dive into a hands-on demonstration of the lab server, showcasing Docker-based services like SearXNG, followed by an introduction to the virtual machine console and the Kali Linux training environment.

The session will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on future plans for expanding the lab to support local AI development. This will include a demonstration of AI tools already running on my laptop, including Ollama, LM Studio, and Open WebUI, along with the rationale for building a dedicated AI server to handle more intensive model development and experimentation.

👨🏻‍💻 SPEAKER: Ron Garlit

Ron has a long history in electronics, ranging from digital electronics to microprocessor technologies. His journey began with his father, who introduced him to vacuum tube-based stereos. This foundation led Ron to work with digital electronics and microprocessor technologies in the military and to specialize in biomedical electronics at a major northeastern hospital.
Throughout his career, Ron has worked with both distributed and mainframe computer systems, experiencing the foundational years of computer programming. He has since become an Enterprise Software and Data Architect with extensive experience in software and database development. Ron's expertise spans various fields, including medical, pharmaceutical, logistics, financial, payment processing, and business intelligence. Ron has successfully architected and implemented software systems across these industries.

🗓 AGENDA:

6:30 PM: Arrival /Networking
6:40 PM: Announcements by organizers
6:50 PM: Building a Low-Cost Home Lab for Development and Training
8:15 PM: End of meeting
8:30 PM: Exit to after party celebration at Patio de Leon (courtyard behind Downtown House of Pizza)