The SMLight SMHUB Nano MG24

<section class="review-transcript"> <p><strong>Hi, I’m Tim, and thanks for watching this video.</strong> Today we’re taking a look at a new release from <strong>SMLIGHT</strong>, called the <strong>SMHUB Nano Mg24</strong>.</p> <p>So what does this device do? It works as a <strong>Zigbee controller</strong>, a <strong>Matter controller</strong>, and it also has <strong>Node-RED</strong> built in. This means you can control your Zigbee devices directly from the hub, or link them into Home Assistant, Google Home, or other smart home platforms.</p> <p>In this video, I’ll take a closer look at the device itself, go through some of the specifications, and in an upcoming video I’ll show how to connect it to Home Assistant with Zigbee devices.</p> <p>The SMHUB Nano Mg24 is a <strong>Linux-based smart hub</strong> that runs full-featured smart home software. It supports Zigbee2MQTT, an OpenThread Border Router (OTBR), and it can be powered via <strong>PoE or USB-C</strong>. It connects over Ethernet and works seamlessly with Home Assistant and other systems.</p> <p>Inside the box, you get packaging similar to the SLZB series, including mounting screws, adhesive fixing pads, an Allen key, and a mounting template. The hub itself shares the same form factor as the SLZB devices, with identical casing and a single external antenna.</p> <p>At one end, you’ll find the <strong>RJ45 Ethernet port with PoE (802.3af)</strong>, and at the other, a USB-C port for power. There’s also a reset button on top, although at the moment factory reset is handled through restoring the operating system image using instructions provided on the SMLIGHT website.</p> <p>On the SMLIGHT website, the SMHUB Nano Mg24 is described as a compact, professional-grade Linux smart hub that can host applications locally. These include Zigbee2MQTT, an MQTT broker, WireGuard, Tailscale, Matter Bridge, and more.</p> <p>Even though it integrates perfectly with platforms like Home Assistant, OpenHAB, and Homeseer, it can also expose Zigbee devices directly to <strong>Google Home</strong> or <strong>Apple Home</strong> using Matter—without the need for additional hubs.</p> <p>The documentation explains the technical vision behind the device: a fully fledged Linux system running open-source applications locally for better stability, performance, and control.</p> <p>There are guides covering topics such as running Thread networks, accessing the hub via SSH, connecting Zigbee devices, and using the SMHUB Nano Mg24 as a Thread Border Router for Matter devices. There are also instructions for updating or restoring the firmware using a USB-C cable.</p> <p>Once logged into the SMHUB dashboard by entering <code>http://smhub</code> in the browser, you’re presented with a simple but functional interface. Since this is a relatively new device, more features are expected to be added over time.</p> <p>From the left-hand menu, you can access <strong>Zigbee2MQTT</strong>, which is enabled and running by default. Pairing devices works just like the standard Zigbee2MQTT interface by using the “permit join” option.</p> <p>The hub also supports <strong>Matter Bridge</strong>, which can be installed if you want to expose Zigbee devices to Matter ecosystems. <strong>Node-RED</strong> is available as well, allowing visual programming and automations directly on the hub.</p> <p>Additional applications can be installed through the built-in app manager, including Node.js, OpenThread, and Z-Wave support (with an external Z-Wave adapter). The device also includes a Linux console for advanced users or troubleshooting.</p> <p>In the settings section, you can configure authentication, system time and hostname, Ethernet and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), USB options, MQTT broker settings, radio information, firmware updates, and <strong>WireGuard</strong> for secure remote access.</p> <p>There is also an “under development” section showing features that are planned but not yet available.</p> <p>If you’re familiar with Home Assistant and want a dedicated Zigbee2MQTT controller, or if you’re starting out and want to integrate with Google Home or other ecosystems, the <strong>SMHUB Nano Mg24</strong> could be a very interesting option.</p> <p><strong>Thanks for watching.</strong> Keep an eye out for the follow-up video where I’ll show how to connect Zigbee2MQTT from the SMHUB Nano Mg24 into Home Assistant.</p> </section>