Ivar de Graaf
In my free time, I have turned my passion for IT into self-study projects, setting up and managing my own server environment. Using VMware EXSI as my virtualization platform, I run various virtual machines (VMs) to support and optimize different web services. Through these self-study projects, I aim to demonstrate my passion for IT and share my enthusiasm for exploring new technologies.
Setting up and managing my own server environment and Unifi network has provided me with valuable hands-on experience, while experimenting with Home Assistant and VoIP technologies continues to strengthen and expand my skills. These projects have allowed me to take my IT knowledge and expertise to a higher level and have fueled my enthusiasm for further development within the IT sector.
Virtual Machines (VMs)
Within my VMware EXSI environment, I have set up various virtual machines (VMs) to support and optimize my web services. Some of the main VMs I run are:
- WordPress Website: My personal website where I share my IT-related content.
- Kemp Load Balancer: The load balancer that ensures requests to my web services are efficiently distributed.
- 3CX VoIP Server: My experimental VoIP server, helping me learn more about Voice over IP technologies.
- Home Assistant: The home automation platform that I use to manage my smart devices and services.
In addition to these main VMs, I have also set up other experimental VMs to test new technologies and further expand my knowledge.
Kemp LoadMaster Load Balancer
The Kemp LoadMaster load balancer is an essential part of my self-study projects. It is a software-based solution designed to optimize load balancing. By leveraging the core of load balancing technologies, I benefit from simplified configuration and management. Using the Kemp LoadMaster, I can utilize multiple web services sharing a webpage on port 443 simultaneously. It allows me to route requests to specific domain names, such as “ivardegraaf.nl,” to the correct server. This versatile load balancer enables opening one port (443) to the Kemp server, which then forwards traffic to the appropriate web server, resulting in an efficient and optimized web experience.
3CX VoIP Server
Another exciting experiment I am currently conducting is with the 3CX VoIP server. I use this server to experiment with Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies. This allows me to understand how VoIP communication works and how to implement and manage VoIP solutions. Exploring this technology on my own server provides me with hands-on learning experience and helps enhance my knowledge in communication systems.
WordPress Website
One of my proudest self-study projects is my own WordPress website, which I have set up and host on an Ubuntu virtual machine (VM) on my own server at home. With this project, I have created a fully functional website and manage all aspects of it, from server configuration to content and security.
My website is built with WordPress, a popular Content Management System (CMS), which offers me the flexibility to easily add, update, and manage content. I have ensured that my website is hosted on a self-set-up Ubuntu VM, giving me full control over the server environment and the ability to optimize performance.
Security is a priority for me, which is why I have ensured that my website is equipped with HTTPS, a secure connection that ensures data is transmitted encrypted between the user and the server. This protects the privacy of my visitors and makes the website appear trustworthy and secure.
Setting up and managing my own WordPress website has provided me with valuable experience in web development, server management, and security. I am proud to have complete control over my online presence, and I continuously improve and expand my website with new features and content.
With my WordPress website, I aim to showcase my passion for IT and my interest in web development. It serves as a personal outlet where I share my IT-related experiences, knowledge, and projects with a broader community. I enjoy learning and growing in this digital space, and I look forward to further developing and expanding my website as a reflection of my ongoing dedication to IT and technology.
Ubiquiti Unifi Network and Unifi Dream Machine Pro SE
In addition to my own server environment with VMware EXSI and LoadMaster Load Balancer, I have also set up an advanced Ubiquiti Unifi network. My network infrastructure runs on a Unifi Dream Machine Pro Special Edition (UDM Pro SE). The UDM Pro SE not only serves as a router but also as a Unifi OS Console, allowing me to run my Unifi applications and providing a central hub to expand the capabilities of my implementations.
Within my Unifi system, I have created multiple VLAN networks, including a management network, server network, home network, my own network, and several experimental VLAN networks. All these networks can be easily managed using the Unifi Controller, a powerful software program that configures and manages Unifi devices such as routers, switches, access points, and cameras.
The Unifi Controller offers various features and benefits for managing a Unifi network, such as automatic detection and provisioning of devices