Off-grid hosting
Is there a good solution for an entirely off-grid server?
Is it possible to use a smartphone hotspot/USB tethering for internet connection?
I have some solar panels & batteries and an old laptop (or I might get a raspberry pi) and am curious about whether I could selfhost literally in the middle of nowhere, without a residential internet connection?
I recommend getting a dedicated cellular router like the GL.iNet Mudi (but you're gonna need a USB Hub if you want to use Ethernet), Spitz (4G) or Puli (5G). The latter two have integrated Ethernet ports. Both are also available with built-in batteries.
I have a Spitz, just don't plan to run a VPN on the device itself as the CPU is very slow and will limit max thruput.
The Spitz AX has a more powerful MediaTek dual core CPU running @ 1.3GHz. It also supports 5G, and has 2.5 Gbps Ethernet. As far as I can see, the Puli uses the same CPU, but it also includes a battery.
I should probably give in and get the Puli, I dislike non-replaceable batteries but I'm sure if it dies before I upgrade to 5G and give the device away I could figure out how to replace it.
The Spitz AX looks awesome for e.g. an RV base station etc, but too many antennas for travel use. I used old Spitz on Amtrak with some success. I wish they had a similar 5G unit with 2x external 5G antennas, and internal antennas only for wifi.
Maybe I will get my wish someday, GLi do like producing a variety of devices on a theme..