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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 ​

ConnectionBest ForPower Options
Wi-FiMost users, easy setupUSB-C or Mains (110-240V)
EthernetReliable connection, PoE powerPoE, USB-C, or Mains

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
    • A captive portal should open automatically
    • Select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password
    • The CeilSense will restart and connect 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)
  • WPA/WPA2 security (WPA3-only networks may not work)
  • 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 ​

There are two ways to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet firmware:

Flash Ethernet firmware via USB-C before mounting:

  1. Connect CeilSense to your computer via USB-C
  2. Visit smarthomeshop.io/en/firmware
  3. Select CeilSense, then "Ethernet" firmware
  4. Click Install and wait for completion
  5. Connect the Ethernet cable and mount the device

Option 2: After Installation via Home Assistant ​

If your CeilSense is already installed and connected via Wi-Fi:

  1. Connect the Ethernet cable first! (Very important)
  2. In Home Assistant, go to the CeilSense device page
  3. Find the "Firmware Type" selector
  4. Change from "WiFi" to "Ethernet"
  5. The device will download and install Ethernet firmware automatically
  6. After reboot, the device connects via Ethernet

⚠️ Warning: Wi-Fi stops working immediately when you switch to Ethernet firmware. If you don't have the Ethernet cable connected, you'll lose access to the device!

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 Wi-Fi ​

If you're on Ethernet and want to switch back to Wi-Fi, you'll need to flash via USB-C:

  1. Connect CeilSense to your computer via USB-C
  2. Visit smarthomeshop.io/en/firmware?product=ceilsense
  3. Select "WiFi" firmware
  4. Click Install and wait for completion
  5. The CeilSense will create its Wi-Fi hotspot again

Note: You cannot switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi via Home Assistant because the Firmware Type selector requires network connectivity, and changing it would disconnect the device before the new firmware downloads.

Firmware Type Selector ​

The CeilSense has a Firmware Type selector in Home Assistant that lets you switch between Wi-Fi and Ethernet firmware:

SettingWhat it does
WiFiUses Wi-Fi for network connection
EthernetUses Ethernet for network connection

How it works ​

When you change the selector:

  1. The device downloads the new firmware from the internet
  2. Firmware is installed automatically
  3. Device reboots with the new network type

Limitations ​

  • WiFi → Ethernet: Works via selector (connect Ethernet cable first!)
  • Ethernet → WiFi: Must use USB-C flashing (selector won't work)

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 only external communication is for firmware update checks:

WhatWhereWhy
Version checkESPHome/GitHubCheck if new firmware is available

No sensor data is ever sent externally. The update check only retrieves a version number.

Disabling Update Checks ​

If you want to disable even the version checks:

  1. Adopt the device in ESPHome Dashboard
  2. Remove or disable the update component in the YAML
  3. Deploy the configuration

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
  • Try a factory reset if the device was previously configured

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 (LED ring should light up on boot)
  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? ​