π Nginx Proxy Manager - Zero to Hero π§βπ» | Full Home Lab Setup Guide

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Nginx Proxy Manager - Zero to Hero Playlist
Hey tech enthusiasts! π
If you're diving into the world of self-hosting, homelabs, or managing your web applications more efficiently, Nginx Proxy Manager (NPM) is your best friend! It's a powerful, open-source tool that simplifies reverse proxy management with an easy-to-use web UI.
In this blog post, I've curated a comprehensive video series πΊ from the DevOps in Action channel that'll take you from Zero to Hero using Nginx Proxy Manager in your home lab setup.
π₯ Full Playlist: Nginx Proxy Manager - Zero to Hero
π§± Part 1: Deployment
Video: Watch here
This episode covers the foundational step β deploying Nginx Proxy Manager using Docker Compose. You'll learn how to get the UI up and running on your home network.
β
Perfect for: Beginners in Docker & NPM
π¦ Technologies used: Docker, Portainer (optional)
βοΈ Part 2: Configuration
Video: Watch here
Once deployed, it's time to configure the basics β like UI settings, environment variables, and preparing NPM for use.
β Learn to: Set up database configs, UI password, and admin login
π Part 3: Proxy Host
Video: Watch here
The real magic of NPM starts here β configuring Proxy Hosts! Easily direct traffic to internal services using subdomains.
β Setup: Internal services like Home Assistant, Plex, etc.
π Part 4: Redirection Host
Video: Watch here
Redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS or from one domain to another using Redirection Hosts.
π Use case: Domain forwarding, URL redirection rules
π Part 5: Streams Host
Video: Watch here
Learn how to forward TCP/UDP streams (not just HTTP). This is useful for things like SSH or game servers.
π Protocol support: TCP & UDP
π« Part 6: 404 Host
Video: Watch here
Setup a default 404 page when users hit an unconfigured domain. Great for keeping things clean and secure.
π Part 7: Custom SSL
Video: Watch here
Use your own SSL certificates for custom security needs or enterprise use-cases. Great control for pros.
π Part 8: Let's Encrypt SSL
Video: Watch here
Get free HTTPS certificates using Letβs Encrypt β all within the NPM UI. Automatic renewals included! π
π Part 9: Access Lists
Video: Watch here
Secure your apps using Access Lists (IP whitelisting, password protection, etc.). Great for sensitive services like dashboards.
π‘οΈ Ideal for: Limiting external access
π₯ Part 10: User Management
Video: Watch here
Collaborate securely with teammates or family members by managing multiple user accounts in NPM.
π€ Role-based access control included!
π Part 11: Audit Log
Video: Watch here
Keep track of all changes made in your NPM instance. Perfect for debugging or monitoring usage.
π Logs include: Who did what and when
π Wrapping Up
By following this Zero to Hero series, youβll master one of the most powerful reverse proxy tools available today β with a friendly UI and a lot of automation magic β¨.
Whether you're hosting personal apps, a homelab, or production workloads, Nginx Proxy Manager simplifies it all.
π Watch the full playlist here
π¬ Drop a comment if you have any questions or thoughts!
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Written by

Ibrar Ansari
Ibrar Ansari
Hello! I'm a DevOps Engineer dedicated to continuous learning and contributing to the tech community. If you find value in what I share, feel free to spread the word to others who might benefit as well. Your support is greatly appreciated!