Ahmed - Home Lab Architect

I write about Automation & Networking — sharing an insider's view on how I leverage automation tools like Python 🐍, Ansible ⚙️, Terraform 🌍, and Bash 💻.

💼 I'm a Technician II at Meta, where I focus on improving the network experience in our data center infrastructure, working with cutting-edge technologies including AGI systems.

🎓 I also hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Major, which provides me with a solid foundation in both networking principles and security best practices.

🏆 Certifications

CompTIA Security+ Certified

CompTIA Security+

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco CCNA

Cisco Networking Academy Verified

Cisco Academy

Red Hat System Administration I

Red Hat Admin I

Red Hat System Administration II

Red Hat Admin II

🔧 What You'll Find Here

  • 🐍 Projects & Labs with Python, Ansible, Terraform, and Bash
  • 🧰 Tools & Platforms like GitLab, AWX
  • 🌐 Networking deep dives — Cisco DNA Center, Juniper Technologies
  • 🎓 Certifications — CCNA & JNCIA/JUNOS study notes and resources
  • ☁️ Cloud & Containerization — AWS, Kubernetes, Docker

💭 My goal is to document what I learn, break down complex setups, and inspire other engineers building their own automation and home lab journeys.

🛡️ Home Lab Adventures

My home lab is my cyber playground where I turn theory into practice:

  • Building enterprise-grade security infrastructure
  • Testing attack and defense scenarios
  • Experimenting with cutting-edge technologies
  • Creating robust, scalable solutions

🎯 Expertise Domains

Areas where I'm constantly pushing my boundaries:

🌐 Network Security

  • Wireshark Mastery
  • Traffic Analysis
  • Threat Hunting

☁️ Cloud Security

  • Infrastructure Hardening
  • Security Architecture
  • Cloud-Native Defense

🔐 Penetration Testing

  • Kali Linux
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • System Hardening

💻 Technical Arsenal

My weapons of choice in the cybersecurity battlefield:

🖥️ Operating Systems

Windows Server Ubuntu Server Kali Linux

🔄 Virtualization

Proxmox VirtualBox TrueNAS

🌐 Networking

Wireshark pfSense Enterprise Firewalls

⌨️ Development

Python Bash Scripting SQL

🚀 Active Projects

Currently building and breaking things:

  • 🔐 Advanced threat detection lab with Security Onion
  • 🌐 Multi-site VPN infrastructure with redundancy
  • 🤖 Automated security compliance scanning pipeline
  • 📊 Custom SIEM dashboard with real-time analytics

📱 Install as an App

This blog is a Progressive Web App - you can install it on your phone!

🤖 Android

Tap the "Install" prompt or "Add to Home screen" from the browser menu.

🍎 iPhone (Safari)

Tap the Share icon 📤Add to Home Screen

Once installed, you'll have quick access with an app icon on your home screen!

"In the world of cybersecurity, you're either one step ahead or one breach behind. I choose to stay ahead."

— Security Mindset