# 3. Getting Started

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

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## 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.

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## 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).

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## 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.

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## 3.4 First Access

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

### Web Interface

<p class="callout warning">On the first SMHUB models (with old firmware) the web interface will be on port **3000**  
To it access use: `<a href="http://smhub.local:3000">http://smhub.local:3000</a>`**If you have such a device, we strongly recommend that you immediately update it via USB according to [this guide](https://smlight.tech/support/manuals/books/smhub/page/smhub-early-adopter-quick-start-guide#bkmrk-updating-smhub-firmw)** Old firmware has critical issues that have been fixed in the new version!  
</p>

- 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.

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## 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).

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## 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.