While many providers default to traditional vendor relationships, we forge a different path. Our production environment seamlessly integrates established enterprise solutions with innovative newcomers, creating a dynamic technology ecosystem that demonstrates the potential of thinking beyond conventional choices.
Our approach to infrastructure is deeply rooted in hands-on experience. We build and test with diverse hardware configurations - from industry-standard servers to cutting-edge specialized equipment. This gives us unparalleled insight into how different solutions perform in real-world scenarios.
In this post, we'll explore several standout solutions that have proven their worth in our production environment over the past year. Unlike theoretical reviews or lab tests, our recommendations come from direct experience deploying and managing these systems locally. When we advocate for a solution, it's because we've validated its performance, reliability, and value in our own production environment. This hands-on approach ensures we can confidently guide our customers toward the best solutions for their specific needs.
Highlights of Our Infrastructure
2.5 Gbps Flex Switches feeding high-throughput data to our server cluster
UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max overseeing routing, firewall protection, and WAN failover (including a T-Mobile backup connection)
Multiple VLANs isolating management, core services, and IoT devices for security and performance
Proxmox Virtualization environment running Windows and Linux workloads side by side
Kronos-NAS with 10Gb networking, 8×18 TB enterprise drives, and dual NVMe caching for AI-ready storage
Innovative Hardware Choices
Rather than defaulting to traditional rack servers, we’ve deployed Minisforum systems—compact powerhouses that pack enterprise-grade performance and substantial memory into an energy-efficient form factor.
Odin-SRVR & Osiris-SRVR
Intel Core i9-12900HK processors, 64 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe each
Capable of handling everything from domain controllers to multiple containerized services
Nova-SRVR
GMKTek NucBox G3 with Intel N100 CPU, hosting a Windows Server 2016 instance for utility and backup domain controller roles
Our Minisforum servers don’t just run test environments; they handle critical tasks like Active Directory, Docker containers, and Pi-hole DNS filtering for our production network.
Diverse Technology Integration
Our environment is a carefully orchestrated mix of hardware and software, each chosen for its specific strengths:
Enterprise Networking
UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max for routing, firewalling, and WAN failover
2.5 Gbps UniFi Flex Switches & UniFi Enterprise 8 PoE Switch for both power and data
Windows Infrastructure
Multiple Domain Controllers spread across separate networks (Core and “Empire”) for reliable identity management
Integration with DNS and DHCP across different VLANs
Linux & Containerization
Proxmox virtualization hosting Docker workloads and Linux containers
Containerized services for Nginx reverse proxy, speed testing, Pi-hole ad-blocking, and more
Storage Solutions
Kronos-NAS running TrueNAS Scale, powered by an Intel Core i7-14700 and 96 GB RAM
10 Gb Networking to support everything from large file shares to AI model training
Dual NVMe cache drives plus eight 18 TB enterprise SAS drives for massive, scalable capacity
Network Segmentation
VLANs for management (192.168.1.x), core services (10.0.0.x), IoT devices (192.168.3.x), and a dedicated “Empire” segment (10.0.1.x) for secure workloads
Why This Matters for Your Business
Our diverse technology stack isn’t about showing off—it’s about developing real expertise that benefits our clients.
1. Tested in Production
Every piece of our infrastructure serves real workloads. When we recommend a solution, it’s because we’ve proven its reliability in our own operations. For instance, our Odin-SRVR not only manages a Windows domain but also runs Docker-Core with Heimdall, Portainer, and Pi-hole, all within a virtualized Proxmox environment.
2. Beyond Traditional Thinking
We’ve learned that the best solution isn’t always the most obvious one:
Sometimes, compact Minisforum servers outperform conventional rack hardware for specific workloads. Running these mini PCs as servers is not right for everyone but the incredible cost to performance ratio makes them an attractive option especially for testing environments and as worker nodes in a cluster.
Other times, Pi-hole combined with enterprise-grade firewalls delivers cost-effective filtering.
By testing these combinations in our own environment, we discover unique optimizations that help maximize your technology investments. Don't spend extra because your service provider has a cosy relationship with a vendor. At SeraphimGate we focus only on getting the best solutions in place for our clients. Sometimes that's still traditional servers from Dell and HP not not always.
3. Real-World Integration Experience
Our environment exemplifies seamless cooperation among:
Windows and Linux operating systems
Docker containers and traditional services
Enterprise and consumer-grade hardware
We don’t just design solutions on paper; we run them 24/7 to refine stability, performance, and integration before rolling them out to you.
4. A Foundation of Practical Innovation
Every piece of our infrastructure serves two purposes: supporting our operations and deepening our expertise. This practical innovation directly translates into:
Refined Solution Design: We know the actual performance characteristics of the systems we recommend—no guesswork needed.
Technology Evaluation: From UniFi networking to TrueNAS to Pi-hole integrations, we constantly push boundaries in our own environment, so you don’t have to.
Our Approach to Your Technology Needs
When you work with SGS, you’re partnering with a team that:
Has hands-on experience with a wide range of hardware and software
Understands how diverse solutions really work together
Thinks beyond conventional vendor constraints
Tests innovations in a live production environment
Crafts truly customized solutions for each client
Looking Forward
Our production environment is more than a showcase—it’s a testament to our commitment to practical innovation. We’re constantly exploring new hardware, software, and integration possibilities, always with an eye toward how these advancements might serve your business.
Whether you need help with:
Windows infrastructure and Active Directory
Linux and containerization strategies
Storage and backup solutions
Network design and security
Hardware selection and deployment
AI-ready systems leveraging powerful CPUs, ample RAM, and high-speed networking
…we bring real-world experience to your technology challenges.
Ready to Build Your Optimal Solution?
Let’s talk about how our expertise can help you construct a technology infrastructure perfectly aligned with your business. Contact us today to start the conversation about your unique needs.
At SeraphimGate Systems, we prove technology in practice, not just in theory. Let us show you how our experience can translate into your success.
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