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Omada Controller: Software, OC200, OC220, OC300 or Omada Cloud — Which to Choose
Omada Controller: Software, OC200, OC220, OC300 or Omada Cloud — Which to Choose
Which controller you need for an Omada network: software, hardware (OC200/OC220/OC300) or cloud.
Omada is TP-Link’s platform for business networks: access points, switches and routers are managed from one panel. That panel is the Omada controller. Here are the controller types and which one fits you.
What an Omada controller does
- shows every Omada device in one interface and changes settings centrally;
- sets up seamless roaming between access points, guest Wi-Fi and VLANs;
- shows network health, connected clients and issues;
- enables remote management through the Omada app or web UI.
Controller types
1. Omada Software Controller (free)
Omada Software Controller is installed on a PC or server and is free. According to the manufacturer, it manages up to 10,000 Omada devices. The downside: the PC must run all the time — when it is off, central management and some features (such as the guest portal) are unavailable.
2. Hardware controllers: OC200, OC220, OC300
A small dedicated device that runs 24/7, needs no PC and provides free cloud access through the Omada app.
| Model | Manages (manufacturer data) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| OC200 | up to 100 access points, 20 switches, 10 routers | Small office, café, shop |
| OC220 | up to 100 access points, 20 switches, 10 gateways, 2 GPON OLTs | SMB, GPON projects |
| OC300 | up to 500 access points, 100 switches, 100 routers | Hotel, large office, multi-floor building |
3. Omada Cloud-Based Controller
The controller runs in TP-Link’s cloud — no device or PC on site, and multi-branch networks are easy to manage from one account. Licensing terms for the cloud controller are set by TP-Link; check them with us before starting a project.
Which one to choose
- 2–5 access points, tight budget, an always-on PC — Software Controller.
- Small office or café, “set and forget” — OC200.
- Larger network, hotel, many switches and routers — OC300.
- Many branches, no on-site hardware — Omada Cloud.
Note: Omada routers (ER605, ER7206) provide internet and VPN, while the controller manages everything together — they do not replace each other.
FAQ
Do Omada access points work without a controller?
Yes, a single access point can run standalone. For several APs, roaming and central management, a controller is recommended.
Can I move from OC200 to OC300 later?
Yes, a configuration backup can be migrated, so the controller can be upgraded as the network grows.
Let us help you choose a controller, access points and switches for your Omada project: WhatsApp +994 77 444 23 23. tplink.com.az is the official TP-Link partner in Azerbaijan.
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