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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:

  • SMHUB main unit

  • 2x 5dB antennas

  • Quick start guide

  • (Optional, depending on order) PoE module, UPS module, or 4G/LTE module

⚠️ 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!

  • Open a browser and go to:

    • http://smhub.local (mDNS)

    • or the IP address assigned via DHCP.

SSH Access

  • Connect from a terminal: ssh smlight@smhub.local

  • Default credentials are user: smlight, password: smlight

  • Use SSH for advanced configuration and Wi-Fi setup until the web Wi-Fi interface is fully implemented.

USB-C Upstream Mode

  • If connected via the USB-C upstream port, SMHUB may appear as a network device to your host machine.

  • This allows direct connection without a router.

3.5 First Boot Behavior

  • The system automatically starts Zigbee2MQTT service. Other services like Matterbridge and Node-RED could be run manually afterwards.

  • Service LEDs and RGB LEDs will indicate boot sequence and status.

  • On first login, you should:

    1. Change the default password (via web UI or SSH).

    2. Configure your preferred network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).

    3. Update system software (see Section 4).

3.6 Safety Notes

  • Always use certified power supplies when running from USB-C.

  • If using the UPS module, only install good quality18650 cells.

  • Ensure proper ventilation - SMHUB is designed for continuous 24/7 operation.

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