The Overview
We built a home-based file hosting system as a private alternative to services like Google Drive, allowing secure access to personal data from anywhere. The system runs on a recycled laptop to reuse old hardware and promote sustainability while still being fully functional as a remote storage server. It provides centralized file access while keeping all data locally stored and fully under user control.
Docker Compose stack — Nextcloud, MariaDB, and WireGuard running as containers.
Zero-Trust VPN Architecture
The system was designed to be accessible globally, not limited to a local network. To enable this, we used a VPN-based architecture that allows secure remote access from anywhere in the world.
Instead of exposing services directly to the internet, all connections are routed through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring safe access without any public ports.
WireGuard-based zero-trust tunnel — global access from any network, no open ports.
Reliability & Security Testing
Docker was used to containerize Nextcloud and the database backend, making the system easier to deploy, manage, and recover. This isolation improves stability and reduces dependency conflicts between services.
We tested reliability through repeated restarts, reconnections, and file access validation. The system remained stable with no data loss, confirming consistent performance under normal usage conditions.
