SMHUB product description

1. Introduction

Enterprise-Ready Smart Home Platform

SMHUB is a Linux-based smart home hub designed for reliability, scalability, and openness.
It runs a lightweight Linux OS layer with Node.js preinstalled, making it capable of running major open-source smart applications such as:

This software stack ensures SMHUB can be deployed in enterprise projects, system integrator environments, and large-scale smart installations while remaining flexible for continuous growth.

Modular and Scalable

Unlike fixed-function consumer hubs, SMHUB is hardware- and software-extensible:

This makes SMHUB suitable for smart buildings, multi-site enterprise deployments, and integrators who need a universal controller.

For Home Users & DIY Enthusiasts

While SMHUB is enterprise-ready, it is also accessible to enthusiasts:

Whether you’re an integrator managing hundreds of devices across buildings or a DIY user running Home Assistant in your living room, SMHUB adapts to your use case.

2. Hardware Overview

SMHUB is a Linux-based modular hub designed to unify connectivity, automation, and control across multiple smart home and IoT standards. Its hardware architecture combines high-performance networking, multiple radios, built-in peripherals, and modular power options.

2.1 Core System

2.2 Networking

2.3 Radios

2.4 Expansion Modules

2.5 Built-in Peripherals

2.6 Power Architecture

2.7 Expansion & DIY Interfaces

For developers and hardware enthusiasts, SMHUB exposes additional interfaces:

3. Getting Started

This section explains how to unbox, power, and access your SMHUB for the first time.


3.1 Unboxing

Inside the SMHUB package, you will find:

⚠️ Some accessories such as 18650 batteries (for UPS), SIM card (for LTE), or external antennas may need to be purchased separately.


3.2 Powering SMHUB

SMHUB supports multiple power options. Choose the one that fits your setup:

  1. USB-C Power (default)

    • Connect the included USB-C cable to the USB-C (upstream/power) port on the back of the device.

    • Use a 5V/2A USB-C adapter.

  2. PoE (Power over Ethernet) (requires PoE module)

    • Install the PoE add-on module.

    • Connect SMHUB to a PoE-enabled Ethernet switch (802.3af standard).

  3. UPS Module with Batteries (optional)

    • Insert supported 18650 Li-ion cells into the UPS board.

    • Connect the UPS board to the main unit.

    • SMHUB will automatically switch to battery power during outages.

  4. Solar/DC Input via UPS (optional)

    • If using the UPS module, SMHUB can also be powered from an external DC or solar supply.

⚠️ Important: Thanks to integrated USB power switching logic, SMHUB automatically detects whether it should act as a host (powering peripherals) or device (drawing power).


3.3 Network Connection

You can connect SMHUB to your network in different ways:

  1. Ethernet (recommended)

    • Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN port.

    • SMHUB will obtain an IP address via DHCP.

  2. Wi-Fi Client Mode

    • Connect via CLI/SSH (see section 3.4).

    • Use the nmcli command to scan and connect to your Wi-Fi network.

    • Web-based Wi-Fi setup is in development.

  3. Wi-Fi Access Point Mode

    • On first boot, SMHUB may start in AP mode.

    • SSID: SMHUB-XXXX (last 4 characters of MAC).

    • Default password: smhub1234.

    • Connect and then open the web UI.


3.4 First Access

Once powered and connected, you can access SMHUB in several ways:

Web Interface

On the first SMHUB models (with old firmware) the web interface will be on port 3000
To it access use: http://smhub.local:3000 If you have such a device, we strongly recommend that you immediately update it via USB according to this guide
Old firmware has critical issues that have been fixed in the new version!

SSH Access

USB-C Upstream Mode


3.5 First Boot Behavior


3.6 Safety Notes

4. Software & System

SMHUB is powered by a Linux-based operating system with an integrated Node.js runtime and a suite of smart home applications. This software foundation provides both enterprise-grade stability and DIY flexibility.


4.1 Operating System


4.2 Preinstalled Applications

Zigbee2MQTT (Z2M)

Matterbridge

Node-RED

Mosquitto MQTT Broker


4.3 System Services


4.4 Built-In Visual System


4.5 Features in Development


4.6 Developer Options

5. Network & Connectivity

SMHUB provides robust and flexible networking options to ensure reliable operation in both enterprise environments and home setups. It can connect via Ethernet, Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth, and optionally via VPN tunnels and DDNS services for secure remote access.


5.1 Ethernet


5.2 Wi-Fi

SMHUB includes dual-band Wi-Fi with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support.

Operating Modes:


5.3 Bluetooth


5.4 VPN (WireGuard)

SMHUB includes WireGuard VPN for secure tunneling.


5.5 USB Networking

When connected via USB-C upstream, SMHUB can act as a network device to the host PC:

6. Radios & Protocols

SMHUB integrates multiple radios to support a broad range of smart home and IoT protocols, making it a true multi-radio coordinator and Matter bridge.


6.1 Zigbee


6.2 Thread


6.3 Z-Wave


6.4 4G/LTE (in development)


6.5 Wi-Fi


6.6 Bluetooth


6.7 Multi-Radio Operation


6.8 Matter Bridge

SMHUB can function as a Matter bridge, allowing non-Matter devices to join modern ecosystems:

7. User Interface

The SMHUB web interface is the primary way to configure and manage the system. It provides access to dashboards, built-in applications, and detailed system settings.


7.1 Dashboard

The Dashboard is the starting page of the interface and shows an overview of the hub:


7.2 Zigbee2MQTT


7.3 Matterbridge


7.4 Node-RED


7.5 Apps

The Apps section acts as a package manager for SMHUB applications.


7.6 Settings

The Settings section contains all configuration options for SMHUB. It is divided into modules, each with tabs for configuration, telemetry, and debug where available.

System

Network

Radios

Audio & Buzzer

LEDs

IR

Storage

Security

8. Modules & Extensions

SMHUB is designed to be modular. The main board provides essential radios, networking, and I/O, while additional hardware modules extend functionality for power resilience, connectivity, and advanced integrations.


8.1 USB Passthrough


8.2 SD Card


8.3 PoE Module


8.4 UPS Module


8.5 4G/LTE Module


8.6 DIY Pinouts & Interfaces

For advanced users and developers, SMHUB exposes additional hardware interfaces:


8.7 Integrated Peripherals

While not separate modules, the following are considered part of SMHUB’s extension capabilities:

10. Glossary

Ambilight – Integrated RGB LED ring used for status indication and visual effects.

Apps – Modular software packages (e.g., Zigbee2MQTT, Node-RED) that can be installed/uninstalled independently on SMHUB.

BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) – Energy-efficient version of Bluetooth for sensors, tags, and small IoT devices.

DDNS (Dynamic DNS) – A service that maps a dynamic IP to a permanent domain name for remote access.

Matter – A connectivity standard that allows devices from different ecosystems (Google, Apple, Amazon, SmartThings) to interoperate.

Matterbridge – An application that bridges Zigbee/Thread devices to the Matter ecosystem.

MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) – A lightweight messaging protocol used for IoT communications. SMHUB includes a built-in Mosquitto MQTT broker.

Node-RED – A flow-based programming tool for IoT automation, preinstalled on SMHUB.

OTBR (OpenThread Border Router) – Service that connects Thread devices to IP networks.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) – A method of delivering power and data over the same Ethernet cable.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) – Add-on module with 18650 cells providing backup power during outages.

WireGuard – A modern VPN protocol, preinstalled on SMHUB for secure remote access.

Zigbee2MQTT (Z2M) – Application that connects Zigbee devices to MQTT brokers, enabling integration with multiple smart home platforms.

Z-Wave JS – An open-source software stack for managing Z-Wave devices.