An all-in-one linux based hub with pre-installed Zigbee, Node-RED, and Matterbridge.
“I thought it was just another coordinator — but it’s a compact Linux-based smart hub.” “The big win is offloading: run Zigbee2MQTT on the hub instead of on Home Assistant.” “With the built-in MQTT broker + bridge mode, Zigbee2MQTT can be ‘practically unstoppable’ — even through reboots.” “It can expose Zigbee devices to Matter ecosystems (Google Home / Apple Home) via Matterbridge.” “Node-RED can run locally for automations — a real ‘central automation brain’ concept.” “There are so many wiring options: multi-hub setups, local broker, bridge mode, even a ‘master hub’ pattern.” “USB host mode opens expansion: add Z-Wave, storage, modems — just use a powered hub.” “It’s still early adopter / beta, with a few UI gotchas, but it’s a very interesting direction.” “If you enjoy bleeding-edge smart home experimentation, this is a fun device to explore.”
Transcript
<section class="review-transcript"> <p>Recently, I received a new device from <strong>SMLIGHT</strong> called the <strong>SMHUB Nano</strong> (MG24 version). At first glance it looks similar to one of their Zigbee coordinators (like the SLZB-06 series), but this is not “just a coordinator.” It’s positioned as an <strong>all-in-one smart hub</strong>.</p> <p>Physically, it’s compact and includes an external antenna, Ethernet, and power options (including PoE depending on configuration/module). It also supports Wi-Fi. The key difference is that this hub is designed to run smart home applications <strong>locally on the device</strong>, rather than on the same machine as Home Assistant.</p> <h3>What it is: a compact Linux smart home hub</h3> <p>According to the product information, the SMHUB Nano is a <strong>compact Linux-based smart hub</strong> intended for local hosting of apps such as:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Zigbee2MQTT</strong></li> <li><strong>MQTT broker</strong> (Mosquitto / local broker functionality)</li> <li><strong>WireGuard</strong> VPN</li> <li><strong>Matterbridge</strong> (optional install)</li> <li><strong>Tailscale</strong> (optional install)</li> <li><strong>Node-RED</strong> (optional install)</li> <li><strong>OpenThread</strong> (optional install, for Thread networks)</li> </ul> <p>It’s designed to work with systems like <strong>Home Assistant</strong>, OpenHAB, and HomeSeer, and it can also expose devices to Matter ecosystems such as <strong>Google Home</strong> and <strong>Apple Home</strong> without extra hubs (depending on configuration and the apps you install).</p> <h3>Specs overview</h3> <p>The listed specs include a dual-core CPU, <strong>512 MB RAM</strong>, <strong>8 GB eMMC</strong> storage, and microSD expansion. The device includes an <strong>EFR32MG24 Zigbee/Thread radio</strong>, Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), and BLE. Network connectivity includes Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Wi-Fi.</p> <h3>Web interface & setup</h3> <p>The device provides a web dashboard described as an <strong>early adopter / beta</strong> experience. From the sidebar you can manage applications individually, and update the OS directly from the UI (no SSH required for normal updates).</p> <p>In <strong>Settings</strong>, you can configure timezone, hostname, authorization (password access), Ethernet details, Wi-Fi networks, USB mode, MQTT, radio mode, firmware updates, and WireGuard VPN.</p> <h3>Zigbee2MQTT offloading</h3> <p>Zigbee2MQTT is presented as a major use case. The interface is the standard Zigbee2MQTT UI, but it runs on the hub. You pair Zigbee devices directly to the SMHUB Nano and then publish them to Home Assistant via MQTT.</p> <p>There are multiple ways to connect MQTT:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Direct to Home Assistant broker:</strong> Zigbee2MQTT on the hub connects to Mosquitto running on Home Assistant.</li> <li><strong>Local broker + bridge mode:</strong> Zigbee2MQTT connects to the hub’s local broker, and the hub bridges MQTT to the Home Assistant broker. This adds resilience and can keep Zigbee2MQTT running through reboots.</li> </ul> <p>In this architecture, Zigbee2MQTT can remain operational even if Home Assistant is rebooting, depending on how you configure the local broker and bridging.</p> <h3>Matterbridge, Node-RED, and advanced scenarios</h3> <p>The hub can be expanded with apps. For example:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Matterbridge</strong> can expose Zigbee devices into Matter ecosystems (Google/Apple and other Matter fabrics).</li> <li><strong>Node-RED</strong> can run locally for automations, including MQTT-driven flows.</li> <li><strong>OpenThread</strong> can be installed if you switch the radio mode to Thread and want to experiment with Thread networks.</li> </ul> <p>Documentation describes several deployment patterns such as multi-hub setups, using an onboard broker as a “master” hub, bridging MQTT from multiple hubs, and combining <strong>local automations + Home Assistant + Matter ecosystems</strong> into one coherent setup.</p> <h3>USB host mode and expansions</h3> <p>The SMHUB Nano supports USB host mode, which allows external devices (for example, a Z-Wave stick, storage, or modems). A powered USB hub may be required for some peripherals, because the hub itself may not provide enough power for certain devices.</p> <h3>Overall impression</h3> <p>This is still a new, early-adopter device, so there can be UI quirks and performance tradeoffs depending on what apps you run (for example, heavier services can drive CPU usage high). However, the concept is compelling: a tiny Linux hub that can offload Zigbee2MQTT, MQTT, and automations, and optionally bridge into Matter ecosystems.</p> <p>If you like experimenting with smart home architecture and “bleeding-edge” setups, the <strong>SMHUB Nano</strong> is an interesting device to explore as the platform continues to mature.</p> </section>