Explore the essential applications powering Alpha Bits' HomeLab infrastructure. Learn about Node-RED for automation, database strategies with PostgreSQL/Redis/InfluxDB, monitoring with Grafana, and how these tools integrate to create a productive, cost-effective development environment on Raspberry Pi hardware.
Alpha Bits
Engineering Team
With our hardware humming, networking seamless, and CasaOS managing our containers beautifully, it's time to talk about the applications that actually make our HomeLab useful. After three years of experimentation, we've settled on a core set of services that power everything from client projects to daily operations.
Today, I'll walk you through the essential applications running in our Alpha Bits HomeLab, why we chose each one, and the real-world configurations that make them work together as a cohesive system.
Early in our HomeLab journey, I made the classic mistake of deploying every interesting application I found. Media servers, monitoring tools, development environments, automation platforms – if it had a Docker container, I probably tried it.
The result was a sprawling mess of services that consumed resources, required constant maintenance, and provided little actual value. I spent more time managing the infrastructure than using it for productive work.
Our current approach is different: every application must serve a specific purpose in our business operations or learning objectives. If it doesn't contribute to client work, team productivity, or skill development, it doesn't get deployed.
If I had to pick one application that best represents the power of HomeLab infrastructure, it would be Node-RED. This visual programming tool has become the nervous system of our entire operation.
What Node-RED Does for Us:
Real-World Example: We have a Node-RED flow that monitors our client's manufacturing equipment, processes sensor data in real-time, stores it in InfluxDB, triggers alerts for anomalies, and generates daily reports sent via email. The entire pipeline runs on a Raspberry Pi 4 and handles thousands of data points per hour.
Deployment via CasaOS:
Node-RED is available in the CasaOS app store with ARM optimization. The deployment includes:
Why Node-RED Over Alternatives:
We've tried traditional programming approaches, cloud automation platforms, and other workflow tools. Node-RED wins because:
Data is the lifeblood of any modern application, and our database strategy reflects the diverse needs of our projects.
PostgreSQL - The Reliable Workhorse
PostgreSQL serves as our primary relational database for:
Running on our Pi-Data device with 8GB RAM, PostgreSQL handles multiple databases and concurrent connections without breaking a sweat. The ARM64 builds are mature and performant.
Redis - Speed When It Matters
Redis provides caching and session management:
The memory efficiency of Redis makes it perfect for Raspberry Pi deployments where RAM is precious.
InfluxDB - Time-Series Excellence
For IoT and monitoring data, InfluxDB is unmatched:
InfluxDB's compression and query performance make it ideal for high-frequency data ingestion on ARM hardware.
We've covered Directus in previous posts, but it deserves mention here as a critical application. Running in Docker via CasaOS, Directus provides:
The fact that Directus runs beautifully on ARM architecture makes it perfect for our distributed setup.
Grafana - Beautiful Data Visualization
Grafana connects to our various data sources to provide:
The ability to create custom dashboards and share them with clients has been invaluable for demonstrating value and maintaining transparency.
Uptime Kuma - Service Monitoring Made Simple
Uptime Kuma monitors all our services and provides:
The lightweight nature and beautiful interface make it perfect for HomeLab environments.
Code-Server - VS Code in the Browser
Running VS Code in a browser might sound crazy, but it's incredibly useful:
FileBrowser - Web-Based File Management
FileBrowser provides secure file access:
The real power of our HomeLab comes from how these applications integrate:
1. Resource Allocation
We distribute applications based on resource requirements:
2. Data Persistence Strategy
3. Security Considerations
After running these applications for months, here are the performance insights:
Excellent ARM Performance:
Good ARM Performance:
Requires Optimization:
One of the best aspects of our application stack is the cost:
Total software cost: $0/month
Compare this to equivalent cloud services, and the savings are substantial while maintaining full control over our data and infrastructure.
1. Start Small, Scale Gradually
Don't try to deploy everything at once. Start with one or two core applications and add others as you identify specific needs.
2. Monitor Resource Usage
Use CasaOS's monitoring to understand which applications consume the most resources. This helps with optimization and capacity planning.
3. Document Everything
Keep detailed notes on configurations, integrations, and customizations. This documentation becomes invaluable during troubleshooting or migrations.
4. Plan for Failure
Critical applications should have backup strategies and failover plans. Test these regularly to ensure they work when needed.
5. Embrace the Community
The open-source communities around these applications are incredible resources. Don't hesitate to ask questions or contribute back when you can.
We've covered the foundation of our HomeLab: hardware, networking, container management, and essential applications. In our final post of this series, we'll look ahead to future developments, advanced topics, and the roadmap for expanding our infrastructure.
We'll also discuss how to take these concepts and apply them to your own projects, whether you're building a personal HomeLab or implementing similar solutions for clients.
Have questions about specific application configurations, integration patterns, or deployment strategies? Drop us a line – the beauty of HomeLab is in the experimentation and learning, and I'm always happy to share detailed configurations or troubleshooting tips.
Next up: "HomeLab Future: Advanced Topics and What's Coming Next"