A detailed list of topics covered here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/10cdRMwWBwlZej5zEHk7ZxPRo2hF2fUU8

In this course, we learned about workplace safety, electrical hazards, protective measures, legal frameworks, employment relations fire safety, and governance standards in the electrical industry. We also attended a first aid course where we achieved the requirements for NZQA Unit Standards 6402, 6401, and 6400.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/c313c9c83ce6e40a421b9c2158b51b7d.jpg)

This course taught us foundational mathematical skills, electrical concepts, and circuit calculations. It also taught me many of the fundamental theories in circuits and electronics. This has been a significant help and a great foundation for further learning about electronics.

The final question in our theory assessment:

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/157840c9d295f7c3dca49ab50d81fd78.png)

Find the total equivalent resistance of the parallel branch (Rp):

Calculate the total resistance of the circuit (Rt) including R1 and Rp: 

Find the total current (It) using Ohm's law and the total resistance of the circuit:

Calculate the individual currents flowing through each resistor in the parallel branch: 

Answer: This means that I_R2 + I_R3 = 5 Amps, which is equal to the total current flowing (It = 5 Amps)

The AC Fundamentals course covered magnetism, electromagnetism, AC/DC systems, electrical tools, safety procedures, and practical applications in electrical work and testing.

We learned about the fundamentals of magnetism and electromagnetism, their uses in devices like motors, relays, and transformers, and the generation and properties of AC and DC currents. We also covered critical AC calculations, including impedance and transformer operations, and proper safety procedures for isolating circuits and using test instruments. Additionally, we gained practical knowledge 

of selecting, using, and maintaining electrical tools for safe and effective electrical work.

This was a practical exercise. We had to follow an electrical schematic to create a magnetizing and demagnetizing door opening contact. 

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/6b888cc19416505fb5683285af693ffc.jpg)

This topic taught us about, the installation, testing, and protection of cables and fittings, addressing environmental and mechanical factors, fault diagnosis, and practical assessments involving various materials and fixings.

We learned how to select and install cables based on electrical ratings and environmental conditions, perform insulation and continuity testing with tools like the Fluke 1662, and understand how to protect cables from damage. We looked at mechanical and environmental factors like bending, temperature, and fire resistance, following standards like AS/NZS 3000. We also learned about electrical faults, their causes, and symptoms, including open circuits, short circuits, and earth leakage. The practical assessment involved using fixings like spring toggle anchors on materials like timber, GIB, and fiber cement board, ensuring secure installations.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/2df7df638349b9a3c3a2926127463a2e.jpg)![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/8d5ef941b06299adf0d1f1deebf6e552.jpg)

Supply systems fundamentals focused on the components, functions, installation, and testing of earthing systems, along with fault-loop impedance calculations and bonding requirements for safety.

We learned how the earthing system works, including the purpose and installation of the earth electrode, main earthing conductor, and protective earthing conductor. We covered equipotential bonding to prevent voltage differences in metalwork, segregation of services, and testing methods like earth fault-loop impedance to ensure protective devices operate correctly. Calculations showed how issues like poor connections can impact fault current and safety.

The video below shows a contactor we each made which is operated by a switch, when the switch is closed, the contactor will energize the coil and close the circuit to allow the flow of high-current AC safely and efficiently. This is different from a relay you will find in small DC circuits mainly used for electronics.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/75eb4744087d7481d1c128a2b66413a8.gif)

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/b05068b48bc641ab0e5dc8f9d8c9c5c9.gif)

This course covered circuit protection devices, electrical drawings, power switching circuits, and lighting systems, focusing on their principles, applications, selection, installation, and design.

We learned about the construction, operation, ratings, and applications of circuit protection devices like fuses and RCDs, including their classifications and how to install replacements. We covered how to select and install these devices, including in hazardous areas, to meet legislative requirements. Electrical drawing conventions and symbols were used to create accurate electrical diagrams. We designed and built power switching circuits and covered the principles, design, and installation of different lighting systems.

This included the biggest practical assessment we did which was creating a domestic circuit. Individually on a 2x0.8m piece of ply, we each wired 6A lighting circuits which included one-way switches, 2-way switches, intermediate switches, a ceiling rose, an ES lamp holder lighting fixture, BC light fitting, 16A power circuits, a 32A range circuit, and a 16A IP53 outlet which was for a hot water cylinder. 

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/15099cc1c1c75d7c319e55493830d992.jpg)![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/3fc3631e8cc1118e4edabfae2ae54f39.jpg)

I had to mark out each mounting block and mounting item with a pencil, a ruler, and tape measure, using measurements on a piece of paper that had the positions for the top left of each circuit. 

I then terminated each circuit based on diagrams that showed how to wire one-way switches, 2-way switches, intermediate switches, light fixtures, and power outlets. 

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/3a8166f2157ccdaba2dd2a7c533b452e.jpg)![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/41203f9fdbbd7134472a65bcfb4c746b.jpg)

After we installed all the circuits, we conducted tests such as earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity checks, correct circuit connections, and earth fault loop impedance with a Fluke 1662 multi-function tester. 

We connected this all back to the appropriately rated MCBs and connected these MCBs to RCDs for residual current protection. I connected the earth cables coming from each circuit back to the earth busbar, then this connected to the earth stake and copper water pipe, and then out to the power source. It was similar with the phases of each circuit being connected to the appropriate MCBs, then I connected this all together in the switchboard with conduit wire and terminated the neutrals back to the neutral busbars and back to the appropriate RCDs.

The photograph below shows an earth fault loop impedance test which had the phase and earth shorted and tested on the circuit that was furthest away and had the same connected earth and phase with the fluke multifunction tester on continuity mode. The value in Ohms had to be lower than the allowed value stated in AS/NZS 3000:2007 clause 8.3.9 depending on the value of the MCB.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/08b5bada614376f991e13b9862cedb9d.jpg)![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/5595b6b5b9ce30425c64cdd191c63ad3.jpg)![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/2e7557d267a2ffded276f6daab95536c.jpg)

After all tests were completed, we were instructed to screw the covers of all circuits on to be livened on an isolating transformer.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/f58d750342164fdb2cb3bdb461464b1c.jpg)

We then tested our boards on an isolating transformer connected to live mains. Every connection in my circuit functioned correctly except for 2 phase conduit wires which I had accidentally swapped around into different MCBs, most likely when I was conducting the earth fault loop impedance test. I re-arranged these connections and my entire circuit worked as expected, with all one-way switches, 2-way switches, intermediate switches, light fixtures, and power outlets working and having the correct voltage when checked with volts AC on a Fluke 115 multi-meter.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/05c64090c4c07eb8e85dc908453fffd4.jpg)![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/353c82593f0dc6decada0205e28daf96.jpg)

In this course we learned about safe practices in damp environments, cable and cord installation, cable support systems, electronic components, and soldering techniques, making sure to comply with industry standards and legislative requirements.

We learned about IP ratings and zone classifications, legislative requirements for cables and cords, routing methods, and proper handling and installation techniques. Termination methods, such as using crimp lugs and terminal posts. 

The last practical in this course was a soldering assessment where we had to solder a full wave bridge rectifier and a variable voltage supply which took in 6 - 32V AC or DC and allowed you to control the output voltage with a potentiometer.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/a4aa8f9d2d2f473c37c55f99674ac3d9.jpg)![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/0697e6f39341ae014fc15743536e61c0.jpg)

I hooked this variable voltage supply up to my oscilloscope and tried to measure the positive output on channel one of the scope to see the DC output wave

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/1ba8877eb32003073d829aa33c500a10.jpg)

### *Transformers, Electrical Machines, and Isolation*

This course was very theory involved, it covered capacitance and inductance in single-phase motors, single-phase transformers, AC induction motors, and isolation procedures for electrical machinery. 

I studied single-phase motors and their applications in household appliances, fans, pumps, and tools. I learned about the different types, including split-phase, capacitor start, and shaded pole motors, and how their components—like the frame, stator, rotor, bearings, and capacitors—contribute to their function.

I learned how transformers convert AC voltage using magnetic fields. Double-wound transformers are safer with separate windings, while autotransformers are smaller and cheaper but less safe. Isolation transformers are used for safety in risky environments without reliable earth connections.

Motor efficiency and transformer performance were also key topics. I looked into how different motor designs balance torque and efficiency, and I examined transformer losses and voltage regulation, which help stabilize voltage for sensitive equipment.

The maths we learned were very helpful in figuring out values for transformer voltage ratios, current ratios, and ratings.

Many practical subjects covered in this course has added much value in part-time work as a junior security technician with Advanced Security.  ----> Learning about relays helped me understand how to wire inputs and outputs for exit buttons, EDRs, PIRs, mag clamps, and electronic locks. Understanding how circuits are wired in series and parallel, aided in successfully wiring an EDR's N/C relay in series with an auto-door open relay to unlock the door. Building many small circuits, and a basic domestic circuit, I could see the materials and tools both security technicians and electricians require to carry out the work efficiently.

Electrical Pre Trade LVL 3

Simple electrical work at a rest home, replacing outlets, fixing bell, new light switch, test & tag.

There was a cable with a switch attached to a barrel jack plug in the wall that, when pressed, the two cables completed a circuit and current is passed into the wall, which sounds an alarm.

The barrel jack connected to the wall was shorted, because the cables had deteriorated and were touching. The issue the client had was, every time they plugged the bell into the wall, it would continuously ring, this is because there was always a completed circuit because of the shorted wires.

I fixed this by stripping both ends of the cable, then tying the exposed wires for positive and neutral back together, much cleaner than it was before. The switch will then be terminated from both cables, and only completing the current when the button is pushed.

I was using the continuity function on my DMM to test for a completed circuit.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/9de23292ddcc2e5dddbf37be01afc9a3.jpg)

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/ad4a74c552562908b1973a3f596e8d88.jpg)

After fixing the bell, it plugged back into the wall nicely, and was working once again. One thing I would have done differently is use a soldering iron if I had one, to solder the negative (black & blue pairs) to the exterior metal casing, so that they will not come loose in the future.

The next step was testing and tagging a washing machine, and 2 air fryers. I simply followed the instructions provided, turned on the tester by pressing the ON/OFF with "Class 1 Appliance" button together. Then, because this cable had no ground, I used the "Class 2 Appliance" button to test the cable.

The readings displayed refer to two primary safety tests:

- **Insulation Resistance**: The device is checking that the insulation resistance is greater than 19.99 megaohms (MΩ). High resistance is a good indicator that the insulation is intact and not allowing current to leak, which could potentially cause electric shock or a short circuit.

- **Subsidiary Leakage Current**: The device is also checking that the leakage current is less than 0.10 milliamperes (mA) of alternating current (AC). This ensures that any current that might be leaking through the insulation or elsewhere in the device is below a level that could be dangerous to users or indicate a fault in the appliance.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/1c8e4f0fd0f7f92f087c67c4530b463e.jpg)

Electrical work at rest home

The Spanning Tree Algorithm (STA) is the computational logic behind the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). Its primary function is to prevent network loops in Ethernet LANs while still maintaining network redundancy for failover paths. Here's how it generally works:

- Root Bridge Selection: All switches in the network participate in an election process to choose a root bridge. The switch with the lowest bridge ID (a combination of priority value and MAC address) becomes the root.

- Role Assignments: After the root bridge is elected, every switch port is assigned a role based on its relationship to the root bridge. The roles can be root port (RP), designated port (DP), or blocked port.

- Path Cost Calculation: STA calculates the cost of the path from each switch to the root bridge. The path cost is determined based on the speed of the links.

- Best Path and Redundant Link Identification: Each switch identifies its best path to the root bridge and marks this as its root port. It also identifies the designated port for each network segment. All other ports are put into a blocked state, effectively disabling redundant links.

- Loop Prevention: By blocking certain ports, STA ensures that there is only one active path between any two network devices, thus preventing loops.

- Topology Changes: If a link fails or a new link is added, STA recalculates the tree and updates the port roles as necessary to adapt to the new topology.

By doing all this, STA helps in creating a loop-free, logical tree structure that spans all switches in a network, ensuring efficient data packet delivery.

BPDUs are a crucial part of how the Spanning Tree Algorithm (STA) functions. They are the mechanism by which switches exchange information needed for the STA to perform its tasks like root bridge selection, role assignments, and topology changes. BPDUs are sent out periodically by all switches to discover the network topology and to share this information with other switches. This data is then used by the STA to make the necessary calculations and decisions for maintaining a loop-free network. 

  - Cisco improvement adding a per VLAN feature 

  - Improved STP with much faster convergence 

  - Cisco improvement of RSTP adding per VLAN feature 

- **Root ports**. The best port to reach the Root Bridge

- **Designated port**. Port with the best route to the Root Bridge on a link

- **Non-designated port**. All other ports that are in a blocking state

- **Blocking**. A blocked port doesn't forward frames, it only listens to BPDUs for network topology changes and drops all other frames. This prevents looped paths. 

- **Listening**. The port listens to BPDUs to ensure no network loops are occurring before passing frames.  The port will forward frames, but not update the MAC database.

- **Learning**. The port listens to BPDUs for network topology changes, but does not forward any frames. The switch will update the MAC database. Forward delay is the time it takes to transition a port from listening to learning mode. It’s set to 15 seconds by default.

- **Forwarding**. The port sends and receives all frames. If the port is still a designated or root port at the end of the learning state it enters the forwarding state.

- **Disabled**. A port in the disabled state is set administratively and is virtually non-operational 

Convergence is the time it takes for the network to become stable with STP. Below is a simple packet tracer setup that uses a network of switches to efficiently reduce the amount of time it takes to converge.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/feb42014358169570ba237e7661cd0ee.png)

By implementing a physical design with a dedicated root switch, you can lower the amount of time it takes to converge your network.

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is an enhancement or evolution of the original 802.1D STP. The main advantage RSTP offers is significantly faster convergence times for your network. While traditional STP can take up to 50 seconds to converge, RSTP aims to bring that time down to about 5 seconds or even less. This quick convergence is especially useful in dynamic network environments where high availability and minimal downtime are critical.

Another important point is that RSTP is backward compatible with the original 802.1D STP, making it easier for network administrators to implement RSTP without having to make radical changes to their existing network setups.

The protocol also simplifies port states for easier understanding and management. In RSTP, most states are categorized under 'discarding', 'learning', and 'forwarding', making it more streamlined compared to the various port states in 802.1D STP.

In Packet tracer you can enter the command `sh spanning-tree` to verify if you are running the traditional 802.1D STP or the faster RSTP. This result shows me I am running 802.1D because the output shows `Spanning tree enabled protocol ieee`.

Hello Time 2 sec Max Age 20 sec Forward Delay 15 sec

Bridge ID Priority 32769 (priority 32768 sys-id-ext 1)

---------------- ---- --- --------- -------- --------------------------------

If the switch is running RSTP, you should see something like `Spanning tree enabled protocol rstp` or simply `RSTP` somewhere in the output.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=japdEY1UKe4

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanning_Tree_Protocol

Chapter 11 - Page 435 Todd Lammle Network+ Study Guide

Spanning Tree Protocol is a complex loop prevention algorithm that is used for fault tolerant distrusted switches. This article will cover STP in depth

Spanning Tree Protocol

For understanding routing protocols I wanted to create a network scenario focusing on routing protocols using Packet Tracer. This article will cover concepts of distance vector protocols including RIP, link state protocols including OSPF and lastly I will be covering the hybrid protocols EIGRP, and BGP.

### *RIP (Routing Interface Protocol v1 & v2)*

Let's first start with the most basic protocol RIP, it is a distance vector routing protocol and uses hop counts to determine the best route between a source and destination network. The maximum number of hops before a packet is discarded is 15. RIP has a default AD (administrative distance) of 120.

Here is a basic RIP configuration with two networks, the WAN network has been set to a 10.0.0.0/8, and the sub networks have been set to 192.168.0.0/24.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/814acc0f200dd8f5483a8f38b8eb069b.png)

In order to get this configuration, I had to configure both routers in the CLI. Router 1 is the DCE (data communication equipment) in this case and I have set the clock signal, the clock signal, set on the DCE, is crucial for synchronizing data transmissions. It establishes a common timing reference, dictates data transfer speed, and ensures reliable communication between network devices.

These are the commands I entered into Router 1;

   Enters global configuration mode, which allows the configuration of system-wide settings.

   Enters the interface configuration mode for the Fast Ethernet 0/0 interface.

3. `R1(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0`

   Assigns an IP address of 192.168.2.1 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 to the Fast Ethernet 0/0 interface for the default gateway.

   Activates the Fast Ethernet 0/0 interface.

   Enters the interface configuration mode for the Serial 0/0/0 interface.

7. `R1(config-if)# ip add 10.0.0.1 255.0.0.0`

   Assigns an IP address of 10.0.0.1 and a subnet mask of 255.0.0.0 to the Serial 0/0/0 interface.

I then have configured Router 2 with similar commands;

3. `R2(config-if)# ip add 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0

7. `R2(config-if)# ip add 10.0.0.2 255.0.0.0

`PC1`IP address:  192.168.1.2  Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0  Default Gateway 192.168.1.1

`PC2`: IP address:  192.168.1.3  Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0  Default Gateway 192.168.1.1

`PC1`: IP address:  192.168.2.2  Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0  Default Gateway 192.168.2.1

`PC2`: IP address:  192.168.2.3  Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0  Default Gateway 192.168.2.1

Now RIP has been enabled on both routers, after which you should wait at least 25 seconds before sending packets, as that is how long it takes RIP to update its routing table. Now you can successfully ping PC1 on 192.168.2.2 from PC1 on 192.168.1.2. 

If you use the `show ip route` command on router 1, you can see that RIP is successfully enabled and working.

Codes: C - connected, S - static, I - IGRP, R - RIP, M - mobile, B - BGP

       D - EIGRP, EX - EIGRP external, O - OSPF, IA - OSPF inter area

       N1 - OSPF NSSA external type 1, N2 - OSPF NSSA external type 2

       E1 - OSPF external type 1, E2 - OSPF external type 2, E - EGP

       i - IS-IS, L1 - IS-IS level-1, L2 - IS-IS level-2, ia - IS-IS inter area

       * - candidate default, U - per-user static route, o - ODR

       P - periodic downloaded static route

C 10.0.0.0/8 is directly connected, Serial2/0

C 192.168.1.0/24 is directly connected, FastEthernet0/0

R 192.168.2.0/24 [120/1] via 10.0.0.2, 00:00:08, Serial2/0

You can see that router 1 has learned about the 192.168.2.0/24 network. The letter `R` indicates that the route was learned using RIP. Note the administrative distance of 120 and the metric of 1 where it has [120/1].

## EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is a Cisco proprietary, advanced distance vector routing protocol. Combining characteristics of both distance vector and link-state protocols, EIGRP offers powerful features including support for IP, IPv6, Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM), and discontiguous networks. It effectively utilizes the Reliable Transport Protocol (RTP) for communication and implements the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) for optimal path selection. With its capability to maintain detailed tables—Neighbor, Topology, and Routing tables—it provides an efficient way to manage routes, including successor and feasible successor routes, making it highly suitable for large networks.

Here is a simple EIGRP network created in Packet Tracer.

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/ed4aa4646c93be574cbbbd7e97617d42.png)

Let's begin by understanding our network design. We have four routers, each connected to an internal LAN network (192.168.1.0, 192.168.2.0, 192.168.3.0, 192.168.4.0) with two PCs and a switch. These routers are interconnected via WAN links (10.0.0.0, 20.0.0.0, 30.0.0.0, 40.0.0.0).

To configure EIGRP, I moved into global configuration mode on each router, then initiated EIGRP with the Autonomous System number 1. Subsequently, network statements were added for each specific network.

An instance of such configuration on the first router is as follows:

The command `router eigrp 1` in EIGRP initiates the routing protocol with the Autonomous System (AS) number as 1. This number is vital as it identifies a group of routers within the same routing domain. It's crucial that each router within this domain shares the same AS number; otherwise, routers with different AS numbers will not exchange routing information or establish neighbor relationships. This command is thus fundamental in maintaining the consistent propagation of routing information across the network, ensuring its efficient functionality.

This process was then replicated on the remaining routers, modifying the networks as necessary. 

To validate the configuration, I used the command `show ip eigrp neighbors` on each router. This allowed me to confirm the formation of the EIGRP neighbor relationships. Additionally, by utilizing the `show ip route` command, I could review the routing table, identifying routes learned via EIGRP, indicated by the 'D' code.

These are all network scenarios I have created in packet tracer to help me understand how RIP, OSPF, EIGRP & BGP

RIP, OSPF, EIGRP & BGP network scenarios

After receiving the CCNA I will be studying for the AWS cloud practitioner to have a good understanding of how AWS works.

AWS cloud practitioner

I am currently studying for the Security+ to validate my foundational cyber security skills and knowledge on how to properly secure systems from external threats

Comptia Security +

I will be studying for the CCNA after I receive the Security+

Cisco - CCNA

![image](https://beren-obsidian-images.imgix.net/38561bd43b36176f5a20f649fb926e8a.png)

Code: PNLJXH7T2FE41WWF Verify at: http://verify.CompTIA.org

I started studying for the Network+ on and off since January 2023, and studied every day before 24/01/2024 for 1 month, I passed it on 24/01/2024 with a score of 757/900. Since then, I gained comprehensive knowledge of the key areas of Networking which is;

Networking Fundamentals, Network Implementations, Network Operations, Network Security, & Network Troubleshooting.

I chose to take the Network+ as my first I.T certification, because I believe it is a good entry level exam to test my knowledge of Networking terms. The CCNA was a consideration, however, it would have taken me a lot longer to study for, and I wanted to get an idea of what it is like sitting an I.T exam before going for the CCNA, so I thought the Network+ was a good option because it covers a broad array of networking topics. I will be taking the CCNA after I receive Network+.

I studied the OSI model, every service and all associated ports, subnetting, NAT, how the internet works, Ethernet, network topologies, TIA/EIA wiring standards, cable types, IPv4 and IPv6, DHCP, DNS

Code: PNLJXH7T2FE41WWF Verify at: http://verify.CompTIA.org This article will cover why I have chosen to do the Network+ exam, and what I have learned from passing the Network+

CompTIA Network +

This article will go over how to configure an automated home lab using Proxmox, Packer, Ansible, Terraform and Vault for secrets. This could be used for malware analysis, a SOC lab, performing penetration tests against Windows AD environments and Linux servers, performing penetration tests against deliberately vulnerable web applications, setting up AD environments, testing operating systems, and much more.

- [[#Introduction to the home lab project]]

- [[#Configuring PfSense router with two interfaces (isolation & infrastructure)]]

- [[#Using Packer to automate template creation]]

- [[#Configuring VNC connection from the host to the jump-box & configuring RDP to connect from the jump-box to all other internal machines]]

- [[#Configuring Ansible for post-provisioning]]

- [[#Setting up Wazuh for security monitoring & SIEM server]]

- [[#Configuring a DHCP server for the isolation network]]

In order to get started, we need to set up a PfSense router, a Windows Server, and an Ubuntu desktop for the jump-box. If you already have a Packer template for the Ubuntu desktop then you can run that, otherwise it is just as easy to manually install an Ubuntu desktop to run Packer from. 

The jump-box will be used to run all of the Ansible, Terraform, and Packer scripts from. It will also be used to connect to the other machines in our cloud through RDP. 

## Configuring PfSense router with two interfaces (isolation & internet)

## Using Packer to automate template creation

Packer is going to be automating the provisioning of .iso images and creating a template after the provisioning is finished. The reason for this is to ensure that the OS is functioning correctly, the created template verifies that every feature that you have defined in the .pkr.hcl file is working on the newly created OS. Using Packer will save a lot of time if you ever need to quickly create a template in Proxmox from an .iso, you can edit your machines hardware from the .pkr.hcl file rather than doing so manually.

The jump-box will be responsible for running Packer, to [install Packer](https://developer.hashicorp.com/packer/tutorials/docker-get-started/get-started-install-cli) on the jump-box run these commands:

curl -fsSL https://apt.releases.hashicorp.com/gpg | sudo apt-key add -

sudo apt-add-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://apt.releases.hashicorp.com $(lsb_release -cs) main"

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install packer

## Configuring VNC connection from the host to the jump-box & configuring RDP to connect from the jump-box to all other internal machines

I will be using TigerVNC to connect to the jump-box through VNC. To install TigerVNC go to the GitHub and download the latest source code `https://github.com/TigerVNC/tigervnc/releases`. 

Now run these commands to extract and run:

tar -xzvf "~/Downloads/Source code.tar.gz"

Inside the Proxmox shell, edit the configuration file containing the VM ID of the jump-box you are trying to connect to through VNC `nano /etc/pve/qemu-server/111.conf`. Now add this line to the top of the file, and replace the `PORT_NUMBER` with any port number you wish to connect through:

Then restart the `nfs-kernel-server` to save the changes, and also restart the jump-box itself:

Now go to TigerVNC from the host machine and connect through the port number on the same network that Proxmox is currently running. `192.168.1.169:<PORT_NUMBER>`. You should now have a remote VNC connection from your host to your jump-box and you can now access the Proxmox web GUI through your jump-box and RDP to any other machine from there as well.

From here, I will be using Remmina for an RDP connection to every other machine from the jump-box.

## Configuring Ansible for post-provisioning

Ansible will be used for post-provisioning groups of machines from the isolation network. This will be run from the jump-box, Install Ansible on Ubuntu with the following:

sudo apt install software-properties-common

sudo add-apt-repository --yes --update ppa:ansible/ansible

Now make sure the host you are running Ansible from, is able to ping a host on the isolation network. 

Edit the `/etc/ansible/hosts` file to create a group of hosts for Ansible to control. I have added a Windows Server 2019 host that I configured with a NIC on the isolation network.

Now navigate to `home-lab/Ansible` and run the command `ansible-playbook domain_controllers` and this will set up a DC on the Windows Server at `10.1.99.3` through Ansible.

I also want to set up some users, GPOs, and another admin, there is a script for this, so I will run `ansible-playbook domain_users.yml`. There are many more Ansible scripts you can run to automate the process of setting up environments, it is up to you what to run next. 

## Setting up Wazuh for security monitoring & SIEM server

I will be running Wazuh from an Ubuntu 22.04 machine, I have configured the netplan as such to assign a static address, both on the isolation and infrastructure network. This is what the `/etc/netplan/00-installer-config.yaml` file should look like:

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Webfirst is a web application development business that creates modern web applications with React and Next.js, as well as custom API integrations and applications for your business needs. I have built this website with Next.js using the new app router and Strapi headless CMS.

Small web development business I have tried to start. Built with Next.js, I have one client (firesidecandles.co.nz)

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