Homelab as Code: Packer + Terraform + Ansible

Managing a homelab can feel like navigating a maze of configurations, updates, and potential errors. But what if you could rebuild your entire setup in minutes? This blog introduces a solution that not only streamlines your homelab into an automated environment but also provides a learning experience, helping you better understand server management, automation, and networking.

Real Scenarios

Here are some practical examples of what you can achieve with this setup:

• Jellyfin Streaming: Imagine accessing your entire media library securely via Jellyfin, pre-configured with SSL, directly accessible from anywhere.
• Proxmox Management: Manage your Proxmox dashboard securely using a custom domain like proxmox.yourdomain.com, with SSL automatically handled by Traefik.
• Docker Management: Quickly deploy and manage all your containers in Portainer, accessible at portainer.yourdomain.com.

Requirements

Resources

📊 Architecture Diagram: A high-level diagram of what we will implement in this blog

💻 Source Code: meroxdotdev/homelab-as-code

What’s Inside the Repository?

This repository simplifies homelab deployment with everything needed to set up an VM and associated services.

• Interactive Deployment Script:

  • Installs required packages (git, curl, ansible, packer, terraform).
  • Clones the repository (supports both public and private setups).
  • Runs Packer, Terraform and Ansible for fully automated deployment.

• Configuration Folders:

  • ansible: Includes roles for deploying Docker, Portainer, Traefik, and optional NFS mounts.
  • configs/docker: Pre-configured services like getHomepage, Traefik, and media stack.
  • packer: Builds an optimized Ubuntu template for Proxmox, ready for Terraform deployments.
  • terraform: Automates VM creation with networking and storage configurations based on packer template.

Quick Start

Execute the following command:

bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/meroxdotdev/homelab-as-code/refs/heads/master/deploy_homelab.sh)"

Deployment Process

1. Initial Prompts

   • First, the script will ask for the repository type (public or private).
     • For a private repository, ensure you provide the SSH link (e.g., [email protected]:meroxdotdev/homelab.git) instead of HTTPS.
     • For a public repository, you can directly use this one tutorial-based: https://github.com/meroxdotdev/homelab-as-code.git
   • If private is selected, the script generates an SSH key and prompts you to add the public key to your repository under Settings → Deploy Keys (e.g., in GitHub).

   

2. Confirmation Prompt

   • Next, the script asks if you’ve edited the necessary files for deployment.
   • Type yes to proceed with the Packer, Terraform and Ansible automation.
   • If you type no, review the blog for guidance on editing the required files, then re-run the script after making changes.

   

   • Resources: You will find the downloaded configuration in /home/homelab/

Navigating the Setup Guides

This homelab automation project involves configuring multiple components. To make this process easier, I’ve broken down the configuration into detailed subposts:

1. Ansible Setup - Configure inventory, roles, and optional NFS mounts
2. Services Configuration - Set up Homepage, Media Stack, and Traefik
3. Infrastructure Setup - Configure Packer and Terraform for VM deployment
4. Deployment & Post-Setup - Final deployment steps and verification

Each subpost provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for its respective component. Start with the Ansible setup and work through them sequentially for the best experience.