Stop Guessing Your Network: Self-Host NetBox on Ubuntu (The Right Way)

Most homelabs and small networks run on memory, screenshots, and half-updated notes. That works until it does not. In this video, Josh from KeepItTechie walks you through installing and using NetBox on Ubuntu Server 24.04 with Docker Compose. You will learn how professionals document networks, IPs, VLANs, devices, and VMs, why NetBox matters, and how to use it in real scenarios whether you are building a serious homelab, learning Linux, or working toward a career in networking or infrastructure. https://github.com/netbox-community/netbox https://netboxlabs.com/docs/netbox/ https://wiki.kitpro.us/en/articles/docker-script Rocky Linux Supported by CIQ: https://ciq.com/products/rocky-linux/ CompTIA Linux+ Certifcation Course https://youtu.be/qNxuTRCRjoQ Remember to Like, Share, and Subscribe if you enjoyed the video! Also, if you are interested in more Linux content, please consider becoming a channel member so I can continue to produce great content! ✔️RECOMMENDED LINUX BOOKLIST ------------------------------- Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands: https://amzn.to/3xGPvsK CompTIA Linux+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide: Exam XK0-004 https://amzn.to/3uQ3wmh 101 Labs - CompTIA Linux+ https://amzn.to/3vtj7rb How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know https://amzn.to/3vrLkOO Linux Bible https://amzn.to/3rwEkPH ✔️SOCIAL NETWORKS ------------------------------- KeepItTechie: https://keepittechie.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeepItTechie Twitter: https://twitter.com/keepittechie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepittechie/ Discord: https://discord.gg/RjZWuyd -------------------------------- ✔️RECORDING EQUIPMENT ------------------------------- Insta360 4K Webcam - https://amzn.to/3RddfgZ Rode Procaster Microphone - https://amzn.to/42RSInF RØDE RØDECaster Duo - https://amzn.to/4ct1T1X Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator - https://amzn.to/4ic7BXv Logitech LED Streaming Light - https://amzn.to/4j7Z8FT -------------------------------- 0:00 Intro and the problem NetBox solves 1:07 What NetBox is and what "source of truth" really means 2:20 Who NetBox is for and why it helps your homelab and career 2:32 NetBox Community edition and prereqs for Ubuntu Server 24.04 3:02 Quick look at the official docs and install options 3:49 Sponsor message Rocky Linux and CIQ 4:37 VM prep and grabbing the Docker install script from your wiki 6:21 Why you should consider a dedicated Docker server in your homelab 9:17 Create the NetBox folder and verify Docker and Compose are working 10:52 Grab the example Compose setup and break down what each service does 12:33 Bring the stack up and verify ports, logs, and container health 13:43 Troubleshooting the secret key and API token pepper error, then fixing it 20:03 First login, password change, and creating a new admin user 21:54 Quick tour of key areas, IPAM, prefixes, IP ranges, sites, and devices 26:13 Your real NetBox example and why it beats spreadsheets 28:33 Best practices, clean data, start small, backups, and NetBox is not automation 30:08 Wrap-up, recap, and what to try next, plus follow-up ideas