2026-09-08

Jeff Geerling's latest project is a properly portable homelab — a full network stack squeezed into carry-on luggage. The full write-up on his blog walks through the hardware choices, the networking config, and the compromises involved in going truly mobile.

Why homelabbers should care

This isn't just a travel flex. A portable lab is genuinely useful for demos, on-site client work, conference talks, or just having a test environment you can set up on a kitchen table without dedicating a whole rack. Jeff's approach focuses on small-form-factor compute, compact managed switching, and keeping power draw low enough for a single outlet.

The kit list reads like a shopping guide for anyone building a compact home setup too — not everyone has room for a full 42U rack, and the same gear that fits in a bag fits nicely on a shelf.

Honest caveats

Portable means trade-offs. You're not running a 20-VM cluster from a carry-on. Thermal management in a cramped bag is a real concern, and some of Jeff's choices prioritise size over raw performance. If you need serious storage throughput or heavy virtualisation, this isn't your build — it's a networking and lightweight services rig.

Also worth noting: some of the specific US-market hardware he picks may need substituting for UK buyers. Check availability before copying the BOM directly.

What to grab

If this inspires you to build something compact, a couple of bits from our shop fit the brief. A 240W USB-C Fast-Charging & Data Cable – Braided, LED Indicator keeps cabling tidy when every centimetre counts. For portable storage, an M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure – USB-C 10Gbps with Magnetic Closure paired with a spare NVMe drive gives you fast external storage that slips into any bag. And if you're running headless gear on the move, the MS2131 HDMI Capture Card – 1080p Video & Audio for Headless Servers is a lifesaver for quick diagnostics without hauling a monitor.

Read Jeff's full build log and decide what to steal for your own setup.