Last updated 1 min read

My Homelab Usecase

#HomeLab

I don't need a 24/7 running server. I need a thing that would run on schedule and serve my needs for file storage and backups:

  • Media files like photos, footage, etc.
  • MacOS Photos app library
  • Time machine backups
  • iPhone backups storage
  • "Useful" files archived from old laptops
  • Playground for Self-Hosted services and OS setup trial & error minefield

I need multiuser support to be able to separate storages for family members and also some sort of a breakdown into devices, storages, etc.

There are caveats related to the MacOS time machine. It's usually advised to use a clean separate drive and the ability to limit the capacity otherwise the volume would grow insanely large.

My overall amount of data is not too big, just a bit more than 1TB, but it's already getting a bit chunky to manage.

Last but not least. I need a portable solution. Ideally, if it fits in my backpack and doesn't weigh 100kilos.