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 

 

 

 Base: Lightweight Linux distribution optimized for embedded controllers. 

 

 

 Runtime: Node.js preinstalled for native execution of Node.js applications. 

 

 

 Package Management: Extendable via Linux packages and Python scripts. 

 

 

 Update System: 

 

 

 Secure firmware updates. 

 

 

 Individual application updates independent of OS. 

 

 

 

 

 

 4.2 Preinstalled Applications 

 Zigbee2MQTT (Z2M) 

 

 Preinstalled by default . 

 

 Works with onboard CC26xx or EFR32XX Zigbee radios. 

 

 

 Publishes device data to MQTT. 

 

 

 Compatible with Home Assistant, OpenHAB, Node-RED, etc. 

 

 

 Local dashboard for Zigbee pairing and monitoring. 

 

 

 Matterbridge 

 

 Preinstalled by default . 

 Bridges Zigbee/Thread devices into the Matter ecosystem. 

 

 Compatible with Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings. 

 

 

 Node-RED 

 

 Preinstalled by default . 

 

 Visual, flow-based automation editor. 

 

 

 Includes libraries for MQTT, Z2M, and Matterbridge. 

 

 

 Accessible via web browser. 

 

 

 Mosquitto MQTT Broker 

 

 

 Preinstalled and running by default . 

 

 

 Provides the MQTT backbone for Zigbee2MQTT, Node-RED, and Matterbridge. 

 

 

 Allows additional MQTT clients to integrate seamlessly with SMHUB. 

 

 

 

 4.3 System Services 

 

 

 Networking 

 

 

 Ethernet (default). 

 

 

 Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (AP and Client modes). 

 

 

 Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE. 

 

 

 

 

 VPN Support 

 

 

 WireGuard preinstalled. 

 

 

 Secure remote access tunnels. 

 

 

 

 

 USB Passthrough 

 

 

 Full passthrough of USB dongles to the host stack. 

 

 

 USB protection logic for safe host/device switching. 

 

 

 

 

 

 4.4 Built-In Visual System 

 

 

 Ambilight System 

 

 

 Runs continuously by default. 

 

 

 Uses 12 × WS2812B RGB LEDs for system visualization, notifications, or ambient effects. 

 

 

 User-configurable patterns and colors. 

 

 

 

 

 Service LEDs 

 

 

 Indicate power, network status, and radio activity. 

 

 

 

 

 

 4.5 Features in Development 

 

 

 Buzzer Control 

 

 

 System and user notifications. 

 

 

 

 

 Audio Output (3.5 mm jack) 

 

 

 System alerts, notifications, and future media playback. 

 

 

 

 

 IR Transmitter & Receiver 

 

 

 IR learning and replay for remote-controlled devices. 

 

 

 

 

 Extended LED Controls 

 

 

 Custom animations and media sync in Ambilight. 

 

 

 

 

 

 4.6 Developer Options 

 

 

 Full SSH access . 

 

 

 Node.js environment ready. 

 

 

 Support for Python scripting and Linux daemons. 

 

 

 Exposed GPIO, UART, I²C, and SPI for DIY hardware extensions.