Mastering Home Labs with Colby Sullivan: Tech Skills, DIY Projects, and Networking Insights

Nerds On Tap

Ever wonder if repurposing old hardware could skyrocket your tech skills and revolutionize your home network? This episode promises to transform your understanding of home labs and DIY tech setups with our special guest, Colby Sullivan, a Senior Implementations Engineer at Digital Boardwalk. Colby takes us on a nostalgic journey, from his first experiences with Windows Home Server in the mid-2000s to the latest trends in DIY tech. Get ready for a deep dive into practical advice and heartwarming tech memories that will inspire both seasoned tech enthusiasts and curious beginners alike.
Discover the transformative power of maintaining a home server and how it can sharpen your enterprise-level IT skills. Colby shares real-world examples of how his early adoption of tools like Unify not only benefited his home lab but also led to major implementations at Digital Boardwalk. We discuss the importance of being a jack of all trades in the IT world, the value of cross-training, and the essential passion for learning and experimentation. You'll also hear about solving complex problems at work using skills honed in home labs, such as addressing vulnerabilities in Plex by configuring advanced router settings.
Explore the world of custom-built routers and NAS systems, as Colby and I compare them with commercial solutions in terms of performance, flexibility, and cost. We talk about the benefits and challenges of DIY networking, including repurposing old hardware and setting up wired networks in modern homes. You’ll also get a sneak peek into our personal projects, like setting up a dedicated pinball room, and the joy of having supportive spouses who indulge our tech obsessions. This episode is packed with technical insights, practical tips, and a touch of humor that makes it an engaging listen from start to finish.
This Episode's Beer:
Emeral Coast Ultra Lager from Destin Brewery
Gulf Coast Blonde from Doc's Hop Shop
New Zealand Pilsner from Crooked Stave Brewing Company

Sponsor of this episode: Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States. If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today! They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website. If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

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Chapters

1. Mastering Home Labs with Colby Sullivan: Tech Skills, DIY Projects, and Networking Insights (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Home Labs and DIY Tech (00:00:08)

3. Home Server Impact on Professional Understanding (00:15:36)

4. Building DIY Routers and NAS Devices (00:25:29)

5. DIY Networking Benefits in Home Labs (00:31:22)

6. Wireless vs. Wired Home Networking (00:38:56)

7. Home Lab Expansion and Organization (00:42:31)

8. Pinball Room Negotiations (00:50:07)