Category Archives: Virtualization

vSphere Custom Images & How to Compare Image Profiles

Posted on November 20, 2023 by brian.wuchner

Occasionally there is a need to create a custom ESXi image as either an installable ISO or a depot/zip bundle. For example, when setting up a new host, you may wish to automatically include specific drivers for a particular network … Continue reading →

Posted in Scripting, Virtualization | Leave a comment

Keeping Linux up to date with Aria Automation Config

Posted on November 17, 2023 by brian.wuchner

I have several persistent Windows & Linux VMs in my lab. The Windows VMs get their OS updates via Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) managed by group policy. This works pretty consistently and keeps everything current. The Linux VMs are … Continue reading →

Posted in Lab Infrastructure, Virtualization | 2 Comments

Easy wildcard certificate for home lab

Posted on November 16, 2023 by brian.wuchner

In my home lab I have a container running Nginx Proxy Manager (discussed in this previous post). This proxy allows for friendlier host names and SSL for various services in the lab. Using a wildcard DNS record and wildcard SSL … Continue reading →

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Synology iSCSI LUN Thin Provisioning space allocation

Posted on October 25, 2023 by brian.wuchner

I recently did some performance comparisons between NFS and iSCSI on a Synology DS723+ NAS. When creating the iSCSI LUNs from within the Synology, there is a ‘Space Allocation’ drop down that has two values: Thick Provisioning (better performance) and … Continue reading →

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Storage Device related Network Switch Issues?

Posted on October 11, 2023 by brian.wuchner

I recently resolved a rather odd issue in my home lab.  I don’t fully understand how the symptoms and solution line up, but am writing this article for my future self… if the issue returns I’ll at least have notes … Continue reading →

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