Dependency removed: Dependence on specific vendors, single-source supply chains, and devices that become non-functional without cloud connectivity - your hardware works regardless of vendor status.
Device selection is a resilience decision. Hardware that requires vendor activation, cloud connectivity, or manufacturer servers to function is a liability. This section covers hardware selection criteria, recommended devices for each category, and practices for extending hardware lifespan.
- Routers - OpenWrt-compatible devices; pfSense/OPNsense hardware; avoiding cloud-managed routers; recommended: GL.iNet, Mikrotik, PC Engines APU
- Switches - managed switches with local configuration; Mikrotik, TP-Link TL-SG108E; avoiding cloud-managed alternatives
- Firewalls - dedicated firewall hardware running OPNsense or pfSense; Protectli Vault, PC Engines APU, or repurposed mini-PC
- Servers - mini-PCs (N100/N305-based) for low-power home servers; repurposed enterprise hardware; NAS devices with community firmware
- Laptops - Framework Laptop (modular, repairable); ThinkPads (excellent Linux support, abundant spares); Chromebooks (limited but cheap and repairable with Linux); avoid soldered-everything ultrabooks for primary resilience hardware
- Phones - GrapheneOS-compatible devices (Pixel); LineageOS for extended support; avoid carrier-locked and bootloader-locked devices
- Tablets - e-ink tablets (reMarkable, Boox) for long-battery reading; Android tablets with unlockable bootloaders
- E-readers - Kobo (open firmware, Calibre compatible) over Kindle (Amazon dependency); local library via Calibre
- SDR (Software-Defined Radio) - RTL-SDR for receive-only; HackRF for transmit; use cases: ADS-B aircraft tracking, weather satellites, signal analysis
- GPS units - dedicated GPS receivers; Garmin for hiking; u-blox modules for embedded use; advantages over phone GPS (battery life, cold start, durability)
- Environmental monitoring - temperature/humidity sensors (BME280, SHT31); CO2 sensors; connected to Home Assistant or MQTT locally
- Radios - Baofeng UV-5R (cheap, repairable, huge aftermarket); dedicated DMR handhelds; HF transceivers for long range
Every hardware purchase should answer:
- Does it work without internet connectivity?
- Can I find repair documentation and spare parts?
- Will it run open firmware or community-supported software?
- Is it available from multiple vendors with equivalent parts?
- What dependency does this device remove?