sbc*; network^

mkdocs/docs/projects/sbc.md

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+# Single Board Computers
+
+## Brief
+
+Employing containerized applications via clustering ARM-based Single Board Computers (SBC)
+
+- by `rskntroot` on `2024-05-30`
+
+## Background
+
+My fascination with ARM-based microcontrollers is in their use as an extremely lightweight replacement for rack-mounted servers.
+ In this regard, a power-efficent SoC that can run containerized services has quite the appeal for personal-use applications.
+ With the cost of power these days I am baffled at the thought of running the previous generations discounted servers at home.
+
+A few years ago, with the ever raging popularity and scarcity of RaspberryPis,
+ I like many others found myself looking for an alternative "PiLike" SoCs.
+ After finding LibreComputers offerings, I was delighted to find the "Le Potato".
+ For under $40 USD, the [AML-S905X-CC-V1](https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc/) could reliably run Ubuntu-Server with support for containers!
+ Usage of a mainstream Linux-disto on SoC was a game-changer.
+
+Fast forward to 2024, I stumbled across the somewhat quiet release of the 2023 [AML-S905X-CC-V2](https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc-v2/).
+ For just around $35 USD, this release sports USB-C power-in.
+ But even better is the PoE support with the addition of a $15 USD [PoE hat](https://www.loverpi.com/products/loverpi-poe-hat-with-pwm-fan-controller-for-aml-s905x-cc-v2-sweet-potato),
+ you can deploy these with a single cable, given you have the infrastructure for it and don't mind 100Mb/s.
+
+## Recommendation
+
+The [Sweet Potato AML-S905X-CC-V2](https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc-v2/) is a great starter board.
+ Seriously, check out the specs.
+ This little guy is packing just enough for a streamlined CI/CD pipeline to host some tolerant webservices on the edge.
+ (For obvious reasons, "the edge" is just my family and friend's houses across the United States.)
+
+If you need more RAM, USB3.0, or AI Acceleration is mandatory, checkout LibreComputer's
+  [Alta](https://libre.computer/products/aml-a311d-cc/) which will quickly double your investment.
+
+## Projects
+
+This website is hosted on 2 sweet potatos with an alta as the cluster controller.
+
+## Notes
+
+### PoE Setup
+
+Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) to run your SoCs is just awesome! You only need 1 cable?! Be sure to get yourself some good cables and a solid PoE switch.
+
+I have personnally been using these:
+
+- [CAT8 Ethernet cables](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PL1P53C/)
+    - Ive used countless Ethernet Cables and fashioning hundreds of my own; can confirm these are premium.
+- [1G PoE+ 8-port Switch](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FCQ8BRC)
+    - Unmanaged switch that I can recommend. Works like a charm.
+
+### CAT8 Real?
+
+Telco Data [article](https://www.telco-data.com/blog/cat-cables/):
+
+"Category 8 is the official successor to Cat6A cabling.
+ It is officially recognized by the IEEE and EIA and parts and pieces are standardized across manufacturers.
+ The primary benefit of Cat8 cabling is faster throughput over short distances: 40 Gbps up to 78’ and 25 Gbps up to 100’.
+ From 100’ to 328’, Cat8 provides the same 10Gbps throughput as Cat6A cabling."
+
+ANSI/TIA [TIA Press Release](https://standards.tiaonline.org/tia-issues-new-balanced-twisted-pair-telecommunications-cabling-and-components-standard-addendum-1):
+
+"TIA-568-C.2-1 - This addendum specifies minimum requirements for shielded category 8 balanced twisted-pair telecommunications
+ cabling (e.g. channels and permanent links) and components (e.g. cable,connectors, connecting hardware, and equipment cords)
+ that are used up to and including the equipment outlet/connector in data centers, equipment rooms, and other spaces that need
+ high speed applications. This addendum also specifies field test procedures and applicable laboratory reference measurement
+ procedures for all transmission parameters."