diff --git a/docs/concepts/architecture.md b/docs/concepts/architecture.md
index 12c590b7a..722f3b4a8 100644
--- a/docs/concepts/architecture.md
+++ b/docs/concepts/architecture.md
@@ -77,6 +77,21 @@ Client                    Gateway
   safely retry; the server keeps a short‑lived dedupe cache.
 - Nodes must include `role: "node"` plus caps/commands/permissions in `connect`.
 
+## Pairing + local trust
+
+- All WS clients (operators + nodes) include a **device identity** on `connect`.
+- New device IDs require pairing approval; the Gateway issues a **device token**
+  for subsequent connects.
+- **Local** connects (loopback or the gateway host’s own tailnet address) can be
+  auto‑approved to keep same‑host UX smooth.
+- **Non‑local** connects must sign the `connect.challenge` nonce and require
+  explicit approval.
+- Gateway auth (`gateway.auth.*`) still applies to **all** connections, local or
+  remote.
+
+Details: [Gateway protocol](/gateway/protocol), [Pairing](/start/pairing),
+[Security](/gateway/security).
+
 ## Protocol typing and codegen
 
 - TypeBox schemas define the protocol.
diff --git a/docs/gateway/protocol.md b/docs/gateway/protocol.md
index 47335ead0..85cf1cbd9 100644
--- a/docs/gateway/protocol.md
+++ b/docs/gateway/protocol.md
@@ -195,6 +195,8 @@ The Gateway treats these as **claims** and enforces server-side allowlists.
 - Gateways issue tokens per device + role.
 - Pairing approvals are required for new device IDs unless local auto-approval
   is enabled.
+- **Local** connects include loopback and the gateway host’s own tailnet address
+  (so same‑host tailnet binds can still auto‑approve).
 - All WS clients must include `device` identity during `connect` (operator + node).
 - Non-local connections must sign the server-provided `connect.challenge` nonce.
 
diff --git a/docs/gateway/security.md b/docs/gateway/security.md
index 62fbe4754..4afe2d380 100644
--- a/docs/gateway/security.md
+++ b/docs/gateway/security.md
@@ -270,6 +270,12 @@ Note: `gateway.remote.token` is **only** for remote CLI calls; it does not
 protect local WS access.
 Optional: pin remote TLS with `gateway.remote.tlsFingerprint` when using `wss://`.
 
+Local device pairing:
+- Device pairing is auto‑approved for **local** connects (loopback or the
+  gateway host’s own tailnet address) to keep same‑host clients smooth.
+- Other tailnet peers are **not** treated as local; they still need pairing
+  approval.
+
 Auth modes:
 - `gateway.auth.mode: "token"`: shared bearer token (recommended for most setups).
 - `gateway.auth.mode: "password"`: password auth (prefer setting via env: `CLAWDBOT_GATEWAY_PASSWORD`).
diff --git a/docs/network.md b/docs/network.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..94e43e85d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/network.md
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+---
+summary: "Network hub: gateway surfaces, pairing, discovery, and security"
+read_when:
+  - You need the network architecture + security overview
+  - You are debugging local vs tailnet access or pairing
+  - You want the canonical list of networking docs
+---
+# Network hub
+
+This hub links the core docs for how Clawdbot connects, pairs, and secures
+devices across localhost, LAN, and tailnet.
+
+## Core model
+
+- [Gateway architecture](/concepts/architecture)
+- [Gateway protocol](/gateway/protocol)
+- [Gateway runbook](/gateway)
+- [Web surfaces + bind modes](/web)
+
+## Pairing + identity
+
+- [Pairing overview (DM + nodes)](/start/pairing)
+- [Gateway-owned node pairing](/gateway/pairing)
+- [Devices CLI (pairing + token rotation)](/cli/devices)
+- [Pairing CLI (DM approvals)](/cli/pairing)
+
+Local trust:
+- Local connections (loopback or the gateway host’s own tailnet address) can be
+  auto‑approved for pairing to keep same‑host UX smooth.
+- Non‑local tailnet/LAN clients still require explicit pairing approval.
+
+## Discovery + transports
+
+- [Discovery & transports](/gateway/discovery)
+- [Bonjour / mDNS](/gateway/bonjour)
+- [Remote access (SSH)](/gateway/remote)
+- [Tailscale](/gateway/tailscale)
+
+## Nodes + bridge
+
+- [Nodes overview](/nodes)
+- [Bridge protocol (legacy nodes)](/gateway/bridge-protocol)
+- [Node runbook: iOS](/platforms/ios)
+- [Node runbook: Android](/platforms/android)
+
+## Security
+
+- [Security overview](/gateway/security)
+- [Gateway config reference](/gateway/configuration)
+- [Troubleshooting](/gateway/troubleshooting)
+- [Doctor](/gateway/doctor)
diff --git a/docs/start/hubs.md b/docs/start/hubs.md
index 1e5b09d59..346178b2b 100644
--- a/docs/start/hubs.md
+++ b/docs/start/hubs.md
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ Use these hubs to discover every page, including deep dives and reference docs t
 ## Core concepts
 
 - [Architecture](/concepts/architecture)
+- [Network hub](/network)
 - [Agent runtime](/concepts/agent)
 - [Agent workspace](/concepts/agent-workspace)
 - [Memory](/concepts/memory)