@nickrout is talking about device binding. Additionally, If you use Node-Red for your automations, they will continue to function even if Home Assistant is not running, as long as the automations have been set up properly.
If I recall correctly, if the zigbee hub is disconnected for 20 minutes, all connected devices will enter “panic” mode. When the hub returns to an online state, a network rebuild process will begin, which may take several days to finish.
If you are already familiar with Debian, switching to Alpine may require some time to adapt, as the differences between the two will need to be learned.
It appears that you are trying to find a workaround for insufficient RAM. Would it be simpler to just purchase additional RAM instead of putting in extra effort to compensate for the shortage?
If that was possible I would have done that already.
Like I already wrote: my system is at it’s max.
Not using NR and if my HA would be down for a long time, all other services will be too, so that’s not an issue.
Going with NR would mean that I have to add yet another container.
On the other hand: currently, deCONZ is running on another system so I have never had my Zigbee network down for more then a few minutes.
You’re right about the Debian <=> Alpine matter but this is for now a solution, even if I have to learn the basics from a new OS - which is also a challenge.