Introduction The lab network is really taking shape now! Active Directory has been deployed and, since the last post, I've deployed a backup Domain Controller (SRV-DC-02). It's running on a Virtual Machine, hosted by Microsoft Hyper-V (running on the HPE DL360 Server): Now it's…
Ed Bradley’s Web: Weaving Networks, Security, Cloud, and Code. Introduction In this post, I’ll be focusing on populating the new Active Directory domain with test users and groups. The goal of this exercise is to simulate a typical small-to-medium business environment — one with multiple departments, diverse user roles,…
Ed Bradley’s Web: Weaving Networks, Security, Cloud, and Code. Introduction In this post, I’ll be working on "tying up some loose ends" — finalizing configurations to prepare the network for real-world workloads and experimentation. Specifically, I’ll focus on: * Refining the DNS infrastructure * Securing inter-VLAN routing DNS…
Ed Bradley’s Web: Weaving Networks, Security, Cloud, and Code. Introduction This post centers on deploying the first Microsoft Active Directory Domain Controller, establishing the core of a unified identity management framework for my home lab. I will eventually extend it into the cloud. The Domain Controller provides centralized authentication,…
Ed Bradley’s Web: Weaving Networks, Security, Cloud, and Code. Introduction Now that the switch fabric is in place, the next step is to integrate and configure the firewalls to provide secure internet access for the new lab network. In enterprise and SMB environments, two popular firewall platforms are Fortinet…
Ed Bradley’s Web: Weaving Networks, Security, Cloud, and Code. Introduction With the high-level vision of my home lab complete, the next step is to build the network foundation. Everything else in this environment — servers, virtualization, security, monitoring — relies on a reliable and well-structured network. To avoid the chaos of…
Ed Bradley’s Web: Weaving Networks, Security, Cloud, and Code. Why Build a Home Lab? For me, technology has always been about curiosity and connection. As an IT Generalist, I thrive on learning a bit of everything: from plugging in cables and spinning up servers to writing code, deploying cloud…