One of my goals for 2024 is the get intimate with Kubernetes. I am a total noob when it comes to Kubernetes, so running a Kubernetes cluster on AWS is a good place to start. Alot of companies are using a hosted Kubernetes service like AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), so I think it's a good idea to get familiar with it. In this post, I will show you how to use Terraform to create an EKS cluster on AWS and deploy an application to it with the Helm provider. We … continue reading
published: 2024-03-10
I am using VyOS virtual routers to provide firewall and routing services for my network. For configuration mangagement, I am using SaltStack. Awesomely, VyOS supports running a Salt minion, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to manage the configuration of the VyOS devices with SaltStack. In this post, I will show you how to get your VyOS devices configured via SaltStack with the native Salt minion. Software Versions The following software versions were used in… continue reading
published: 2024-02-20
As part of my home lab rebuild, I updated the IP Addressing that I use within the lab. I needed to update the IP addressing for my 3x node Proxmox cluster to align with the new IP addressing scheme. There is alot of info out there on how to do this and most of it is out of date. I am documenting this process for future Brad and, if you are reading this post, maybe you too 🥳 Software Versions The following software versions were used in this post. Proxmox - 7.4-17Migrati… continue reading
published: 2024-02-18
As part of my home lab rebuild journey, I am commited to building as many of the components using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) as possible. I am running Proxmox as my hypervisor, which supports bootstrapping VMs via cloud-init. This allows you to apply configuration on first-boot to virtual machines. In this post, I will show you how to use Terraform and cloud-init to bootstrap virutal machines on Proxmox and join them to your SaltStack environment. Software Versions… continue reading
published: 2024-02-14
Greeting fellow nerds! In this the 2024th year of our lord, Kermit J Frog. I am commited to upskilling on Observability and Kubernetes. To achieve this, I am building out my home lab and using the ways of DevOps. Technologies Before I can start building a Kubernetes cluster, I need to build out all the supporting services. The following table lists the hardware and software technology I am using in my lab. ComponentTechnologyRouting VyOSFirewall VyOSWireless Ubiq… continue reading
published: 2024-02-12
The AWS Advanced Networking Specialty has been a goal of mine for the last couple of years. I have finally achieved the certification and wanted to share my experience with the exam and how I studied for it. 1st Attempt I first attempted this exam on March 2023, and I failed. I only just failed (731/750). However, being honest with myself, I guessed more than half the answers. I didn't really deserve to pass. The exam was alot harder than I thought it was going to be… continue reading
published: 2024-01-07
AWS Direct Connect (DX) is a service that allows for a dedicated connection between your network and AWS. Features AWS Direct Connect has the following key features: Delivers consistent, low-latency performance. A Dedicated connection, connects you directly to AWS via a 1, 10 or 100 Gbps link. Hosted AWS partner connections provide speeds of 50 Mbps up to 10 Gbps and connect to AWS via the partners port. Example Providers: Megaport and Equinix. MACs… continue reading
updated: 2024-01-06
published: 2024-01-01
AWS Transit Gatway (TGW) is a network transit hub that simplifies interconnection of VPCs and on-premises networks. Features The following are some features of a TGW. A TGW is a highly available regionally resiliant service. The TGW supports transitive routing, therefore it removes the need for a full mesh of connections between VPCs and on-premises networks. Supports connectivity to VPCs, Site-to-Site VPN, Direct Connect (DX), other TGW… continue reading
updated: 2024-01-01
published: 2023-12-30
Virtual Private Gateways (VGWs) are an AWS manged VPN concentrator service which allow non-AWS and other AWS account networks to connect to a VPC via IPSEC VPN or Direct Connect. VGW Architecture The following diagram shows a typical VGW architecture. The following points describe the above diagram. The VGW is deployed in the AWS public zone across 2x AZs for HA. A customer gateway (CGW) is deployed in the customers network and is configured to connect with t… continue reading
published: 2023-12-28
As is tradition for this time of year, I write down my goals for the year ahead. Health and Fitness Last year, I did not do a good job of keeping up with my fitness goals. In 2024, health and fitness will be my primary focus. I managed to jack up my knee towards the end of 2023 and I have a knee surgery booked in for the 25th of January. By the 31st Decemeber 2024, I will have achieved the following goals. 70kgs body weight. Less than 10% body fat. … continue reading
published: 2023-12-27