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Famlab

Homelab for busy families

Documentation-First Development Phase

This project is currently in the exploration and design phase. We're building the documentation first to define the user experience and scope before implementation begins.

Nothing described here actually exists yet - we're documenting what we want to build. Implementation will follow once we've validated the design through this documentation process.

Famlab is a distributed backup network that connects family nodes across different locations to create disaster-resilient backup without cloud dependencies. Resilient backups done easily.

What is Famlab?

Famlab creates a mesh network of nodes (or, computers that talk to each other) that replicate each other's data. The idea behind the name is that each household of an (extended) family has its own node. Since each node on the network carries a copy of the same data, the network effectively provides true 3-2-1 backup resilience:

  • Local backup targets - The node in your home is used as a network drive for Time Machine, File History, etc.
  • Automatic replication - Your backup data syncs to family members' nodes
  • Geographic distribution - Family locations provide natural disaster isolation
  • Zero recurring costs* - Everyone contributes storage, everyone benefits

*: That is, outside of electricity and access to the Internet.

Why Famlab?

Family Backup Networks, Not Corporate Clouds

Trust people, not corporations. Instead of paying monthly fees to cloud providers, families create backup networks with trusted family members and friends. Your backup data replicates across locations automatically.

  • Family trust model - Leverage existing relationships instead of corporate contracts
  • Network effects - More family nodes = more resilient backups for everyone
  • Standard protocols - Built on proven tools (btrfs, rsync, SSH, SMB)

Zero Maintenance by Design

Set and forget backup infrastructure. Famlab handles replication, monitoring, and maintenance automatically so you can focus on your family instead of managing servers.

  • Automatic replication - Changes sync incrementally across family network
  • Self-monitoring - Alerts only when intervention needed
  • Geographic resilience - Survives disasters at any single location

Quick Start

Ready to build your family backup network? A 3-node Famlab network can be running in under an hour:

  1. Install first node - Set up your local backup target
  2. Configure SMB shares - Create network drives for each family member
  3. Add family nodes - Enroll additional nodes for replication
  4. Start backing up - Connect devices and let replication handle the rest

Need Help?

Famlab: because your family's digital life should just work.