MiPi

Tyler's Pi5 project transforms a single Raspberry Pi into a versatile home server that handles media streaming, file synchronization and web hosting in one compact package. Driven by a desire to reduce recurring subscription costs and regain control over his data, Tyler configured the device to serve as a private alternative to Google Drive, a streaming platform for movies and TV shows, and a hub for gaming services like RetroPie and a Minecraft server. The project demonstrates how a small, cost-effective board can deliver enterprise-grade functionality without compromising privacy or performance.

Users connect to the server over the local network or secure remote access and can browse a custom media library powered by Plex, synchronize documents and photos via Nextcloud, or launch retro games through an integrated RetroPie interface. These features are supported by automated backups which are stored on an encrypted external drive and set up SSL certificates to ensure secure connections. The Minecraft server runs in a Docker container with resource limits to prevent it from overwhelming other services. Together these components create a seamless experience where multimedia, storage and gaming coexist reliably on the same hardware.