TP-Link OC200 Omada Hardware Controller, Network Centralized Management, Free Cloud Service, Easy Use Omada APP,Grey

I decided to remake my household internet/WiFi using AP's for the simple reason that it's a better way to get really good WiFi throughout my gaff than the more highstreet options.It is of course a system designed for a more commercial setup such as a pub, office or workplace but if you have a big house and you also want WiFi in your garden for cameras then using access points is the way to go.The downside is of course that you need to connect each unit back to the network switch using a Cat5 or 6 cable. I like that and thankfully during a rebuilding of my house I ran cable everywhere thus making using AP's relatively simple.So, here I am with this small network controller. It's basically a small computer than controls and runs your network locally which, you access using the Omada app.You don't strictly need this to run your network as you can use the app and work through the cloud but this does allow better control and it's part of your own system.It's a small thing that you connect direct into your network switch which if a POE one will negate the need for any outside power. I use an 8 port POE TP Link switch so as to avoid any clashes which, should not happen, but it's IT stuff so not logical.It's plug and play. Connect the unit and then search for it using your Omada app - having already signed up for an account - and then use it to set up all your Omada devices with whatever settings you need.It's simple, intuitive and you don't need to be an expert IT admin to do it. I'm not a complete novice but I'm no expert either and this was easier to setup than making a cup of tea for my wife. Which, I admit is fraught with pain and misery if I get it wrong...Overall, if you are thinking of running in an AP network for WiFi then I cannot but recommend the TP Link system enough. Reasonably priced and easy to set up.

And does it really well!

I have rebuilt my entire network around the Omanda series and it has transformed my home network performance and stability. Excellent products at a great price. I originally ran the free software controller for a while to get the hang of designing and building the network but moved over to the hardware controller for reliability reasons.

I have quite a few IoT's 100 +, what I found was when my Alexa's were playing on the everywhere group of speakers, they would either all work, some or none at all,. it was obvious that the supplied router from my broadband provider was not up to the task, so I got the 5 Eero wifi system. Although this improved my LAN, it still suffered with the Alexa dropping out. Also to get the most out of the Eero's require a subscription, is app based and quite frankly after a year, I got fed up with it. SO I replaced it with an OC200 and to start with just one AP. (which turns out does the same job as 5 of the eeros.) Like all new things, it was a little difficult to set up, but the more you learn, the easier it gets. It can be accessed both by a web interface as well as AP, no subscription needed and has some very powerful features. Touch wood, all my alexa's are behaving. So far, my only criticism would be the Omada does not cover the two Pharos I also got to give internet to the bottom of the garden.

A great addition to the network to help you manage it remotely

Excellent kit and with the assistance of the online customer care it was easy to install. Huge thanks to Xxandres within the technical support for their help.

Take control of everything from routers, to AP and everything In between, Has free cloud service with 2FA (two factor access) for could control, I love having control of my network with TP-LINK equipment, duse need some work and some more services, more settings or VLan that set up of rules are done, and a dark mode but that last bit dark mode is person choice. TP-LINK network equipment is worth getting, some equipment is a bit costly but there is equipment like this controller are at a good price. I recommend TP-LINK equipment

In theory, you don't actually need this. But in reality, these aren't devices that are breaking the banks. You could of course spin up a controller in the cloud where you also have resiliency , but if you you want something local, or cheaper than the cloud, this is decentEqually, I'm not too fussed about having no resiliency here largely because it is just the controller.