Do I Need an Omada Controller? Software, Hardware and Cloud Compared
A single Omada access point or switch can be set up on its own. Once you have two or more access points, or want to manage switches, gateway and Wi-Fi together, a controller is what turns them into one network. You do not have to buy one: TP-Link's software controller is free. A hardware controller or a Fusion gateway with one built in simply means nothing has to be left running on a PC.
What an Omada controller does
The controller holds the settings for the whole network and pushes them to each device. Create a Wi-Fi network once and every access point broadcasts it. It also handles the things that make a business network work well:
- Seamless roaming between access points
- Guest networks with a captive portal (sign-in page)
- VLANs to keep staff, guests, tills and cameras apart
- Firmware updates for every device from one screen
- Monitoring: which devices are on which access point, PoE draw per switch port, alerts
- Remote access through the Omada app, and several sites under one login
Do you need one?
| Your setup | Controller? |
|---|---|
| One access point or one switch | Optional. It can be set up on its own. |
| Two or more access points | Recommended, so they share settings and hand devices over cleanly. |
| Access points, switches and an Omada gateway | Yes, to manage them as one network. |
| Captive portal, VLANs across devices, several sites | Yes. |
The five ways to run Omada
1. Software controller (free)
The Omada Software Controller runs on a Windows or Linux computer or server on your network. It costs nothing and is a good way to start, but the computer needs to stay on for features such as the captive portal and statistics. Download it from TP-Link's software controller page.
2. OC200 hardware controller
The OC200 is a small box that runs the controller all the time without a PC. It powers from a PoE port (802.3af/at) or micro USB, and TP-Link recommend it for managing 25 Omada devices. It suits small offices, shops and homes using Omada.
3. OC300 hardware controller
The OC300 is the rack-mount version for bigger sites. TP-Link quote management of up to 500 Omada access points, 100 routers and 100 switches, so it suits multi-building campuses, hotels and installers looking after many sites.
4. Fusion gateway with built-in controller
TP-Link's Omada Fusion gateways combine the router and controller in one device. The Fusion 2.5G has five 2.5G ports and a touchscreen, with TP-Link recommending up to 30 devices and 300 clients. The Fusion G+ has a 2.5G WAN port and four gigabit ports. For a small business starting from scratch, this is a straightforward route: one box for the internet connection and the management.
5. Cloud-based controller
TP-Link also run the controller in the cloud, so there is no local hardware at all and you manage from a browser or the app. This is licensed separately from the hardware; check TP-Link's current licence options before choosing it.
Which one should you pick?
| Situation | Suggested controller |
|---|---|
| Trying Omada, or a server already runs all day | Free software controller |
| Small office or shop with an existing router | OC200 |
| New small business network from scratch | Fusion gateway (router and controller in one) |
| Large site or many sites managed locally | OC300 |
| No local equipment wanted, managed remotely | Cloud-based controller |
Whichever you choose, the access points and switches are the same. Our access controllers page lists the controllers we stock, and the TP-Link Omada page has the full range. Not sure if Omada is right at all? Read Omada vs Deco.
Planning a TP-Link network? Our network kit builder asks a few questions and puts together a matched kit: Deco mesh Wi-Fi for homes, or Omada access points, PoE switches and a gateway for businesses. We also have kit builders for CCTV, alarms, intercoms and audio.
If you would like a second opinion on a plan before you order, contact our team with a rough floor plan and a list of what needs connecting. We deliver to England, Scotland and Wales, usually within 1–2 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Omada controller free?
The Omada Software Controller is free to download and run on your own computer or server. Hardware controllers such as the OC200 and OC300 are a one-off purchase, and TP-Link's cloud-based controller is licensed separately.
Can Omada access points work without a controller?
Yes, a single access point can be set up on its own. A controller is recommended once you have two or more, so they share settings and devices roam between them cleanly.
How many devices can an OC200 manage?
TP-Link recommend the OC200 for managing 25 Omada devices. For larger networks, the OC300 is rated for up to 500 access points, 100 routers and 100 switches.
Does the Omada Fusion gateway replace a controller?
Yes. Fusion gateways have the Omada controller built in, so the gateway manages your Omada switches and access points without a separate controller.
Written by the team at Zenith Security Co., a security and networking supplier based in Wolverhampton and trading since 2012. We supply equipment and do not install it; depending on your requirements and your area, we can point you towards a qualified trade installer. Product figures in this article come from TP-Link's published specifications as listed on our product pages.
