Frustrated by the limitations imposed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on home networking, particularly regarding static IPs and port access, I shifted from using a VPN to a Virtual Private Server (VPS) setup with Pangolin. This change allowed me to effectively bypass NAT issues and avoid the security risks associated with open ports. Pangolin's innovative use of NAT traversal means that I can securely access my self-hosted services without exposing them to the internet. Additionally, it offers robust security features, including Zero Trust access and temporary sharing links, which enhance the protection of my services. Despite some initial hurdles with installation on my VPS, I found the overall setup process to be user-friendly. Now, I can easily access my home lab from anywhere using my domain name, and my email server operates smoothly, safeguarded by Cloudflare. This VPS solution not only resolves my connectivity issues but also provides ample space for future projects.