Network Proxy
Accessing content in different countries or distributing it globally sometimes requires a network proxy.
Today, my network proxy went down for some reason, probably due to some local network setting.
It wasn’t restored until the evening.
Because of this issue, I considered adding a second broadband provider to ensure network stability and to offload the upload bandwidth from the live stream.
I spent several hours on the phone with the second and third broadband providers.
Ultimately, I confirmed that the bandwidth from other providers was extremely expensive, not worthwhile just for HomeLab, so I gave up on them.
Even Musk’s Starlink is incredibly expensive, so I ruled it out.
The only option I considered was a cheap portable Wi-Fi, around $5 a month, but the downside is the poor reviews, with reports of slow speeds and other misleading claims.
However, I still recommend waiting until you have stable revenue before considering a second broadband or Wi-Fi provider; otherwise, a cloud server is more stable.
Offline applications
I’ve found that when there are network issues, my options are extremely limited (there’s entertainment, but no money to be made because live streaming is highly dependent on a real-time network connection).
I can use offline local LLM AI to create large 8-bit models.
I can write code (tools and navigation).
I can write blogs and documentation (ebooks).
I can use local AI for stable diffraction web UI drawing (offline drawing).
I can use local AI for offline subtitle translation with Swiper.
I can go to the supermarket to buy groceries and food (but consider avoiding going out if it’s raining, cold, or the air quality is poor).
I can play local NES games, large local Windows games, or other emulator games.
Tips
The biggest problem with HomeLab is its network.