- Tue 03 September 2024
- Self-Hosted
- #server, #portable, #learning, #education, #rpi, #raspberry-pi, #linux, #open-source, #gl.inet, #python, #nginx
That's right! I've been build a portable network and server system. It's all built into an ammo can. It's set up so that I can drag around all kinds of services with me, and I can easily set up my own WiFi network for 4-H users to access.
Many of the locations I visit to support 4-H's hands-on-learning don't offer great networks, and in some cases, the lesson(s) warrant use of some technology or service that requires accounts and special access. That puts all sorts of undue challenges on me and others to put things together beforehand and waste some valuable time getting things working.
A few years ago (yes, it's been that long), I had an idea to put a few Raspberry Pi's and a little network switch in an ammo can so that I could pack the whole thing around and use it for different programming/hacking exercises with 4-H youth. That quickly evolved into what I now call the Port-A-Server. My portable network and server infrastructure in a box!
This thing comes packed. Here's the BOM (discounting fasteners and cabling, of course).
| Quantity | Device |
|---|---|
| 2 | Raspberry Pi 3B+ |
| 2 | Raspberry Pi 4B+ |
| 1 | Raspberry Pi CM4 in a Dual NIC Enclosure |
| 1 | ZimaBoard x86 Single Board Computer |
| 1 | gl.iNet Travel Router |
| 3 | Small 1Gbps Network Switches |
The whole thing runs off a single power supply which means ONE CABLE, and it's even got a couple power ports on the side. Just a few months ago, I even ported through some ports to access the HDMI outputs from a couple of the crucial devices, and USB for a bunch of things. With that gl.iNet router, I'm able to use its USB port to connect to my cellphone to use cellular tethering. That means that in spots where WiFi isn't available, but cellular is, I'm set!
