homelab.exe

cybersecurity & IT systems practice

👩‍💻
user
Wendy Buonavita
📚
module
Managing IT Projects
📅
term
Fall 2025
5 deliverables
$680 budget
4 goals
8 stakeholders

🔌 project overview

▶

homelab for cybersecurity & it systems practice

The HomeLab Implementation Project is being developed using a Raspberry Pi 4B as the main hardware platform. The system will leverage Docker containers to deploy networked services, monitoring tools, and testing environments. Smart home integration will be achieved through Homebridge, enabling secure communication between the Raspberry Pi and Apple HomeKit devices. This approach supports lightweight prototyping and energy-efficient learning while maintaining focus on networking, security, and monitoring objectives. This project provides a practical, low-cost framework that others can replicate to learn cybersecurity, smart home integration, and system monitoring in a safe, self-hosted environment. This project will also be showcased publicly through professional and community platforms such as LinkedIn and Reddit to share findings, lessons learned, and technical outcomes with other students and practitioners.

🎯 project goals

▶
⚙️ build & configure: deliver the five updated homelab components—HomeKit device integration, segmented test network with Docker containers and isolated networks, self-hosted Minecraft server, monitoring dashboard (Grafana + Prometheus or Uptime Kuma), and Network Attached Storage (NAS) setup using TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault.
🔒 practice cybersecurity: use the homelab for hands-on security testing, network monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and attack/defense exercises to build practical cybersecurity skills.
📝 document & reflect: maintain clear documentation of configurations, test results, security findings, and lessons learned throughout the project.
📢 communicate project results: share project outcomes through public channels (LinkedIn and Reddit) to demonstrate professional development and encourage peer learning.

📋 project scope

▶

🎯 project overview

The scope remains focused on building and managing a small-scale, secure HomeLab environment that integrates smart-home functionality, monitoring, and cybersecurity practice. The change in hardware introduces lightweight, container-based deployment strategies using Docker to simulate multi-system networking and segmented environments. All five deliverables — Apple HomeKit Integration, Cybersecurity Lab, Minecraft Server, Monitoring Dashboard, and Vulnerability Testing — will be implemented in this containerized environment.

✅ in scope for semester-long project
Apple HomeKit Smart Home Integration – configure and control at least one HomeKit-compatible device
Cybersecurity Practice – Segmented Test Environment – set up a segmented test environment that can serve as a reference model for other learners or small teams exploring cybersecurity and network isolation using Docker networks and at least 2 containers (firewall + client)
Self-Hosted Minecraft Server – deploy functioning Minecraft server with user access and backup plan
Monitoring & Dashboard – implement monitoring using Grafana + Prometheus or Uptime Kuma
Network Attached Storage (NAS) Setup – configure storage solution using TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault
🗺️ roadmap items – up to 6 months after semester ends
expand smart home automation with additional devices
implement SIEM tool for deeper monitoring and logging
explore cloud-hosted extensions (AWS, Azure)
add intrusion detection/prevention tools
simulate red/blue team scenarios for advanced security practice
❌ truly out of scope
full enterprise-level smart home or corporate network setup
24/7 uptime or production-grade hosting
professional penetration testing on external networks
integration with unsupported or legacy devices
large-scale multiplayer game hosting beyond a personal Minecraft server

🖥️ hardware / resources

▶
✅

Confirmed Hardware Platform

Raspberry Pi 4B setup successfully completed and verified as the project's hardware platform. Initial testing confirms adequate performance for Docker containerization and networked services.

Primary Device: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (8 GB RAM) ✅
Operating System: Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) — Installed & Configured
Storage: 128 GB microSD + external SSD for backups
Power and Networking: USB-C power supply, gigabit Ethernet connection
Smart Home Platform: Homebridge running on Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit)
Software Stack: Docker, Docker Compose (currently testing), Grafana, Prometheus, pfSense (virtualized), and DVWA/Metasploitable containers
Remote Management: SSH + VS Code Remote Server
💡

Rationale for Change

The shift to Raspberry Pi allows rapid prototyping without the need for multiple physical servers. It demonstrates adaptability and practical resource management while maintaining focus on security, networking, and monitoring objectives. The modification does not change the project's deliverables, only the hardware and deployment approach.

👥 stakeholder register

▶
stakeholder role / interest type power interest engagement strategy
Wendy Buonavita Project Owner Internal 🔵 High 🔵 High Oversees all design, configuration, and documentation. Tracks progress weekly in Notion and GitHub.
Instructor (Professor Espinoza) Evaluator / Mentor Internal 🔵 High 🟢 Medium Receives milestone updates and status reports; provides academic feedback and grading.
Classmates / Peers Reviewers / Collaborators Internal 🟢 Low 🔵 High Participate in discussion boards, offer peer feedback, and exchange ideas on system design.
Family Members at Home Impacted Users External 🟢 Medium 🟡 Low Informed when tests affect network or smart devices; feedback gathered for usability and downtime.
LA County IT Department (Workplace) Professional Environment External 🔵 High 🟢 Medium Potential knowledge cross-application from work to lab; may inspire process improvements or automation.
Online Tech Communities (Reddit, Discord, Stack Overflow) Learning Support External 🟢 Low 🔵 High Used for troubleshooting, community learning, and best practices in HomeLab, NAS, and monitoring setups.
Future Employers / Recruiters Portfolio Audience External 🔵 High 🟢 Medium Review final documentation and dashboard demos to evaluate applied skills.
Cybersecurity Frameworks & Best Practices (e.g., NIST, CIS Benchmarks) Standards Reference Regulatory 🔵 High 🟡 Low Follow guidelines for secure network segmentation, monitoring, and vulnerability management; no direct interaction required.

📲 power–interest grid

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📊 stakeholder power-interest analysis

Power-Interest Grid showing stakeholder positioning based on their power and interest levels

📦 project deliverables

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deliverable type smart description definition of done
Apple HomeKit Smart Home Integration Tangible Configure and control at least one Apple HomeKit device through Homebridge running in a Docker container on the Raspberry Pi by Oct 8, 2025. Device successfully paired with Homebridge; controllable via Apple Home app; screenshots and configuration steps documented in GitHub.
Cybersecurity Practice – Segmented Test Environment Tangible Configure a segmented network using Docker networks and at least 2 containers (firewall + client) by Oct 15, 2025. Containers deployed; network segmentation tested; firewall rules documented; traffic isolation validated.
Self-Hosted Minecraft Server Tangible Deploy a functioning Minecraft server with user access and backup plan by Oct 22, 2025. Server online; at least 1 external connection tested; configuration and troubleshooting documented.
Monitoring & Dashboard Intangible Implement monitoring using Grafana + Prometheus or Uptime Kuma by Nov 1, 2025. Metrics collected; dashboards viewable; alerts configured; screenshots included.
Network Attached Storage (NAS) Setup Tangible Configure NAS using TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault by Nov 10, 2025. NAS deployed and accessible; file sharing configured; backup strategy documented.
🔗

All documentation and configurations will be shared publicly on GitHub so others can replicate or learn from this setup.

📋 tasks & dependencies

▶
task id task duration dependencies
T1 research hardware/software needs 2 days none
T2 acquire/setup raspberry pi 4b + docker environment 2 days T1
T3 configure segmented network (docker networks/iptables) 4 days T2
T4 install/configure homekit device 2 days T2
T5 deploy minecraft server 3 days T3
T6 install/configure monitoring tools 4 days T3
T7 deploy vulnerability lab (dvwa, metasploit) 5 days T3
T8 run cybersecurity practice/attack-defense scenarios 4 days T7
T9 documentation & report 5 days T4–T8
⚡
critical path: T1 → T2 → T3 → T7 → T8 → T9

💰 budget estimation

▶
item estimated cost
raspberry pi 4b (8gb) + accessories (case, power, microsd, ssd) $150–200
networking gear (router, switch, cabling) $200
smart device (homekit light/thermostat) $50–100
external hdd / backup storage $80
misc. software/subscriptions (domains, cloud credits) $100
total estimated cost $580–680

🆕 new items needed

▶
raspberry pi 4b (8gb) - primary homelab platform for containerized services and prototyping
microsd card (128gb) + external ssd - os boot drive and backup storage
networking gear - switch/router with vlan support (or simulated via docker networks)
at least 1 homekit-compatible device - smart light/thermostat
optional cloud credits - aws/azure/gcp, learning use only

🗂 project methodology diagrams

▶

CIS 4860 – HomeLab Implementation

Methodology Timeline (Weeks 1–16)

1 Weeks 1-3
2 Weeks 4-6
3 Weeks 7-9
4 Weeks 10-12
5 Weeks 13-14
6 Weeks 15-16
7 Weeks 15-16
Technical
Implementation
  • Setup Raspberry Pi 4B
  • Install Docker & Docker Compose
  • Plan container network segmentation
  • Configure Docker networks
  • Setup iptables rules for isolation
  • Deploy HomeKit bridge container
  • Deploy Minecraft server container
  • Deploy DVWA / Metasploitable containers
  • Vulnerability scans (Nmap, OpenVAS)
  • System hardening
  • Configure Grafana/Prometheus
  • Setup Uptime Kuma
  • Configure alerts
  • Final backups
  • Demo recording
  • Publish Reddit + LinkedIn posts (findings, lessons, screenshots)
  • Finalize GitHub docs & reflection
  • Submit final packet / presentation
Documentation
& Management
  • Draft Project Charter v3 (updated for RPi)
  • Create GitHub repo
  • Update network/container docs
  • Add screenshots
  • Record configs
  • Hardening notes
  • Update risk register
  • Document mitigations
  • Finalize dashboards
  • Complete documentation
  • Final report & slides
  • Polish GitHub Pages
  • Publish Reddit + LinkedIn posts (findings, lessons, screenshots)
  • Finalize GitHub docs & reflection
  • Submit final packet / presentation
Testing
& Reporting
  • Submit Week 1–3 update
  • Verify connectivity
  • Week 6 Report
  • Service tests
  • Week 9 Report
  • Exploit/defense tests
  • Week 12 Report
  • Performance testing
  • Week 14 Report
  • Peer feedback
  • Final submission
  • Publish Reddit + LinkedIn posts (findings, lessons, screenshots)
  • Finalize GitHub docs & reflection
  • Submit final packet / presentation
⚡ Continuous Activities (Weeks 1–16)
Weekly GitHub commits Risk monitoring Automated backups Feedback integration Documentation updates

New final milestone added to reflect public showcase (Reddit + LinkedIn) and closure tasks.

📊 project methodology

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⚙️

chosen methodology: hybrid – iterative

why hybrid? some deliverables are clearly defined, others (like attack/defense practice) may evolve
why iterative? each deliverable can be built in a short cycle: plan → build → test → document → review
cadence: multiple releases over the semester (each deliverable completed, tested, and documented)
showcase deliverable: prepare and publish a public post summarizing project insights, technical outcomes, and lessons learned

justification: predictive is too rigid, agile too unstructured; hybrid–iterative balances structure with flexibility.

🛠 project tool selection

▶
🔧

primary tool: notion

all-in-one workspace: combines task management, notes, documentation, and timelines in one platform
kanban & database flexibility: can create task boards (backlog → in progress → testing → done) and link tasks with deadlines
live integration: Notion Kanban board is now embedded directly on this webpage, providing real-time visibility into project progress ✅
documentation-friendly: embed screenshots, configs, and notes directly with tasks
portfolio value: screenshots of notion boards/pages look professional for class and linkedin portfolio use

📸 notion screenshots

📋 board view
kanban-style task management
[click to view]
📅 calendar view
timeline & deadline tracking
[click to view]
📊 table view
database & properties
[click to view]

💡 project reflection

▶
🎯

Beyond course requirements, this project demonstrates how accessible technology can support hands-on cybersecurity learning and practical experimentation for future IT professionals. By sharing the project publicly, the HomeLab implementation becomes more than a class assignment — it becomes a replicable, real-world resource for others exploring cybersecurity, smart-home integration, and project management.

📅 status reports

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📊

Basic Information

Project Name: HomeLab Integration Project

Project Goal: Build five key homelab deliverables—HomeKit integration, segmented test environment, Minecraft server, monitoring dashboard, and NAS setup—to gain practical networking and cybersecurity skills. All outcomes will be documented during the semester.

Weekly Status Reports

Report Period Status Action
Week of October 6 On Track
Week of October 13 In Progress
Week of October 20 On Track
Week of November 3 On Track
📌

Project Plan Update – Week 9

Updated the plan to reflect migration to Raspberry Pi 4B hardware.

Reordered tasks to focus on Docker environment setup and Homebridge integration.

Adjusted milestone dates for segmentation and monitoring deliverables.

Highlighted these updates in the attached project plan screenshots.

📌

Project Plan Update – Week 10

Updated project plan to include Docker testing tasks within the implementation phase.

Added milestones for Homebridge container deployment and Grafana monitoring setup.

Adjusted sequence of testing tasks to match the Raspberry Pi environment limitations.

Highlighted new additions in green within the updated plan screenshots.

🧠 live project kanban

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📊

Live Progress Tracking

The Notion Kanban board has been embedded on this webpage to provide real-time visibility into project progress. Updates made in Notion automatically reflect here, ensuring transparency and alignment with actual work completed.

Live Kanban board synced directly from Notion — automatically updates as tasks progress.