Network Configuration

This guide covers how to connect your CeilSense to your network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and how to switch between them.

Quick Overview

Your CeilSense ships with Wi-Fi firmware pre-installed. Most users can simply use Wi-Fi and never need to change anything.

Wi-Fi Setup

Initial Wi-Fi Configuration

When your CeilSense powers on for the first time (or after a factory reset), it creates a Wi-Fi hotspot:

1. Look for the hotspot:

   • SSID: ceilsense
   • Password: ceilsense

2. Connect and configure:

   • Connect your phone/laptop to the ceilsense network
   • The SmartHomeShop setup page should open automatically
   • Pick your home Wi-Fi network from the list or type its name, enter the password and select Save and connect
   • The CeilSense connects to your network

3. If the captive portal doesn't open:

   • Open a browser and go to http://192.168.4.1/
   • Configure your Wi-Fi from there

Wi-Fi Requirements

• 2.4 GHz network (5 GHz is not supported)
• WPA2 or WPA3 security
• Good signal strength at ceiling level

Wi-Fi Tips

• Check signal strength at the mounting location before installation
• If signal is weak, consider using Ethernet instead
• The CeilSense will automatically reconnect if Wi-Fi is temporarily lost

Ethernet Setup

Ethernet provides a more reliable connection and allows you to use Power over Ethernet (PoE) for a single-cable installation.

Ethernet Requirements

Before switching to Ethernet, ensure:

• ✅ DHCP enabled: Your network must assign IP addresses automatically
• ✅ Same VLAN: CeilSense must be on the same network/VLAN as Home Assistant
• ✅ No firewall blocking: Allow traffic between CeilSense and Home Assistant
• ✅ PoE switch (optional): If using PoE, you need an 802.3af compliant switch or injector

Switching to Ethernet

To switch from WiFi to Ethernet firmware, you have three options:

Quick overview:

• Option 1: Flash Ethernet firmware via USB-C before installation
• Option 2: Use the Firmware Variant selector in Home Assistant
• Option 3: During first setup, choose Ethernet on the setup page and still enter your Wi-Fi details. The device uses Wi-Fi once to install the Ethernet firmware

⚠️ Important: Options 2 and 3 take at least 2 minutes, so keep the device powered. WiFi stops working as soon as the Ethernet firmware has started. Connect the Ethernet cable before switching or right after the restart.

📖 Full instructions: See Firmware Guide - Method 3: USB-C Web Flasher for USB flashing.

After Switching to Ethernet

• The CeilSense will get a new IP address via DHCP
• Home Assistant should auto-discover the device
• If not found, check your router's DHCP leases for the new IP
• Add the ESPHome integration manually if needed

Switching Back to WiFi

If you're on Ethernet and want to switch back to WiFi, use the Firmware Variant selector or flash via USB-C.

📖 Full instructions: See the Firmware Guide - Method 3: USB-C Web Flasher for detailed flashing steps.

Quick overview:

1. Change CeilSense Firmware Variant to a WiFi option, wait 10 seconds and press CeilSense Firmware Update
2. The device installs the WiFi firmware over Ethernet and restarts
3. It connects with its saved Wi-Fi details. Without saved details it starts the ceilsense hotspot for configuration

Note: A USB-C installation also works, but it erases all settings and you need to take the CeilSense out of the ceiling.

Firmware Variant Selector

The CeilSense has a CeilSense Firmware Variant selector in Home Assistant. It switches the firmware type within the same family, so your sensors and radar stay the same:

How it works

• On Wi-Fi firmware: after you change the selector, the device downloads the new firmware, installs it by itself and restarts with the new network type. Allow at least 2 minutes.
• On Ethernet firmware: change the selector, wait 10 seconds and press the CeilSense Firmware Update button. The device then installs the selected firmware over Ethernet.

Before you switch

• WiFi → Ethernet: Connect the Ethernet cable first, or right after the restart
• Ethernet → WiFi: Check the Wi-Fi requirements at the mounting location

Network Communication & Privacy

100% Local Operation

The CeilSense works completely locally. All sensor data stays on your local network:

• ✅ Presence detection → Local
• ✅ Environmental sensors → Local
• ✅ Home Assistant communication → Local
• ✅ Automations → Local

External Communication

The local firmware only goes online for these two things:

No sensor data is ever sent externally. The update check only retrieves a version number. Cloud firmware is the exception: it sends your measurements to the SmartHomeShop App.

Disabling Update Checks

If you want to disable even the version checks:

1. Adopt the device in ESPHome Device Builder
2. Add the update: block from Use CeilSense without internet access
3. Install the firmware again

Troubleshooting

Wi-Fi Issues

Can't find the CeilSense hotspot

• Wait 1-2 minutes after powering on
• The hotspot only appears if Wi-Fi is not configured
• If the device was configured before, the hotspot appears about 1 minute after it fails to reach your Wi-Fi

Connected to hotspot but no captive portal

• Open browser manually to http://192.168.4.1/
• Try a different device (phone vs laptop)
• Disable mobile data on your phone

Frequent disconnections

• Check Wi-Fi signal strength at ceiling level
• Move your router/access point closer
• Consider switching to Ethernet for reliability

Ethernet Issues

Switched to Ethernet but device is offline

Cause: Wi-Fi stopped immediately but Ethernet wasn't connected.

Solution:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the CeilSense
2. Check that the cable goes to a switch with DHCP
3. Verify same VLAN as Home Assistant
4. Device should appear in Home Assistant

If Ethernet is not possible: Flash Wi-Fi firmware via USB-C

Ethernet connected but not discovered

Check:

1. Link lights on the Ethernet port (should be blinking)
2. Router DHCP leases for new device
3. Same VLAN as Home Assistant
4. No firewall blocking mDNS or ESPHome API

Manual connection:

1. Find the IP in your router's DHCP lease table
2. In Home Assistant, add ESPHome integration manually by IP

Device not getting IP address

• Verify DHCP is enabled on your network
• Check Ethernet cable and port
• Try a different switch port
• Verify PoE is working (if using PoE)

General Network Issues

Device shows offline in Home Assistant

1. Check power supply
2. Verify network connection (Wi-Fi signal or Ethernet link)
3. Check if device is on same network as Home Assistant
4. Try pinging the device IP
5. Restart the device

Can't connect to device web interface

The CeilSense has a built-in web server at http://[device-ip]/:

• Works on both Wi-Fi and Ethernet
• Shows sensor values and basic controls
• Useful for debugging without Home Assistant

Need Help?

• Check the Troubleshooting page for more issues
• Check the FAQ for common questions
• Join our Discord community
• Contact us via smarthomeshop.io/contact