I've been running the "Tiny stack" (same as short stack but without controller, since I run the controller software on my laptop). Best network I've ever owned and great value for the money! Super happy with the setup!
Did this about a year ago now when my city installed fiber and GB speed. Moved from Charter and 100Mbps for $5 less. Got the router, hardware controller and 4 port POE switch and 3 WAPs (used another existing non tp link switch with this setup). I have yet to have to reboot while I needed to do that with my other setup usually once a month. Love that the WAPs are controlled so they all look like one so roaming between rooms is not an issue. Could have just used 2 of those but were cheap enough so added a third. I initially looked into Ubiquity and actually got the 10 port edge switch but the other equipment just said backordered and so I searched some more and found TP Link. No regrets.
Another alternative if you are somehow limited in space, you can get the Omada ER7212PC which is essentially this entire stack (except AP) but in a single unit. This appears to be a competitor with the UDM Pro/SE which is pretty cool.
I've got a really simple Omada setup. Software controller, EAP245 and EAP225. Netgear 24-port POE switch. Extremely happy with it and as I complete beginner to network it was really easy to setup.
Thanks for confirming the Omada setup actually works without using their PoE switch. Most reviews I see its TPlink/Omada everything. I already have a 24-port PoE Switch and didn't feel like buying that again. Do you still get the similar monitoring since you have the software controller?
I love this setup, I run it now, and it's a lot better than my old Unifi setup, but I think what isn't as well known until after you are already invested, is that, their managed switches don't have feature parity with the Omada controller. If you link a managed switch to the controller, you're losing out on over 50% of the features that you could be getting out of the switch, compared to if you ran that switch independently. TP-Link has some catching up to do, but I can see them catching up to Unifi if they improve that feature parity.
Love the Omada Eco Sys. Equipment im running, oc200, ER605, TL-SG2218, TL-sg3210XHP-M2, and 3 AP. Internet speed Fiber1GiG up/down. Never dropped and down time.
Yup!!! I absolutely do not regret getting Omada. I got the basic entry except firewall. Because I use pfsense and it works great with it!! Because I plan to add more access points when I move to bigger house down the road. That's nice about it compared Ubiquiti. The only difference that sold me is "Local Account" I was really confused about Ubiquiti initial set up needing cloud account
@@AlejandroTaylorEscribano Hey! I used pfsense operating system and put it on my old build with AMD FX-6300 under clocked so it won't be power hungry. I repurposed my old build into firewall. Really all you need is Modem > Firewall> Switch (to computers) > AP (wireless). You actually get more control on what goes to your Home Network. ISP provided router is more (not a lot) exposed than firewall to serve as router. You'll have more locked down network and you can easily set up VPN when away from home. Hopefully that answers your question. The only thing I warn you is with firewall. You need to have patience to make it work (hence the word firewall) You need to poke holes to allow basic service come through. While ISP provided comes kinda of with a big hole. Let me know if you want more details.
@@michaelmcallister711 With your network setup of Modem > Firewall > Switch > Access Point, does your firewall also serve as your router? That is, does your firewall also include DHCP and DNS, thus serving as the gateway between your modem (Internet) and LAN?
@@Eternal_Tech Yes. Because from there you can have pfsense to give out DHCP and every client must respond to pfsense for DNS instead of either ISP's dns or directly to Google DNS. Not only that it really makes it easier to do VLANs that way instead of switch's DHCP and allow IoT things to communicate without hiccups and keep a tight security on network. So I rather a right circle with 1 way in and 1 way out only. I have no regrets setting up as router over ISP provided one. It gives me sense of peace.
I'm new to the TP-Link product line. I've started with the DECO XE75's. They were stupid simple to setup and even easier to reconfigure when I switched from cable to fiber optic.
You “ DO NOT’ need the controller. It is a nice idea to have a single point to control and monitor a network system it is not necessary. In my case I had a TP-Link system up and running just fine then came back later and installed a controller. What a mistake , it turned a functional system into a hot mess that took me awhile to get back up and running. In fact I did not get it back to exactly as it was yet and it looks like there are features missing , either that or they have them buried under menus I have not found yet.
You can also just put the controller on a computer and leave it running all the time lol. I recommend that for anyone who wants to try a controller before getting the hardware one
Omada has been growing a lot and putting pressure on Unifi. Been keeping an eye on it for family upgrades where it makes sense. The one point that's tough to swallow is the size of the APs -- they're HUGE. They need some better form factors that don't look like 50's sci-fi flying saucers.
There's the EAP650, much more Ubiquiti-like, but only 1GBit LAN. I'm lucky enough to hide a EAP660 above my wardrobe. Never ever would I install something like this in plain sight.
@@JanosZakarias The EAP620 v3 is the same size and has more RAM. I am really between the 620 v3 and 660 but may end up with the 620 v3 until they can make the 660 smaller.
pretty cool devices at a very respectable cost. Unifi geek here and been using their products for over 2 years now. Havent had any issues, easily adopt new AP's when upgrading. Ill have to watch your other video on Unifi. If this TP-Link gear was available years ago, i might of jumped down the TP-Link rabbit hole. great review
The Omada stuff is great, and getting better. I have used it for years and have seen it improve over time. I do not care for how huge the new AP's are, so I am sticking with my ceiling mounted 245's. I am also running the controller software on my server in a Docker container for stability.
Really looking forward to the whole set up. It would be great if you went into setting or using firewall in the Omada platform as well as what (if any) DNS servers you are using/recommend. Thanks for the videos and keep 'em coming!
I know you video here is a bit older. But it was still helpful. I’ve been using an edge router and UniFi gear but had enough issues to get a pfsense router and wanted to move away from UniFi and this was top of my list
I really like omada. Ive been piecing together the short stack for the past couple weeks and ive been really impressed with the out of the box expiereince offers. even down to something as their easy smart switch utility. I run cameras both in the house and outside but having them being tied to my network isnt and will never be a big to do on my list as long as I can monitor those feeds and those devices with ease whether on network or on app doesnt really matter so I honestly prefer the copst effective solution that tp link offers for someone on a tighter budget,
Great to see more content on Omada series, Last year i decided to go with Omada over Unifi but i went with Firewalla Gold for my edge. I am hopping TPlink will release a more slim Wifi AP unit like what Unifi has. But i really like the single pane management of the omada for home network. I think the weak point for both the Omada and Unifi is there Edge devices, it would be nice to get something like the PFsense etc level of control. FWGold is nice as I like the ease of fast access control to lock down and open for kids and visitors, but i am trying out Sophos/PFsense etc just for home use they are bit more work to mange than i want FWG is much easier to deal with.
10Gbps router coming very soon. It will be the ER8411 and a new outdoor access point called the EAP650-Outdoor along with many other new items coming. I am waiting for the ER8411 and will probably order 20 of them for myself and customers.
I say skip the router, run pfsense. can't say I have had any problems with my omada 28port poe+ switch, oc200, and eap245. amazing equipment for the price.
I think TpLink is on the right track, Omada while a Unifi Clone, its very good, the problem is more their hardware, specially the switches die much more often than Ubiquiti, i think over time they will nail it, but i had 2.5gb switch and 2x 10gb 4port die on me in less than a year.
I'm surprised you didn't mention the EAP650 access point. It's not as powerful as the two you showed, but it's a bit cheaper and a lot smaller, so it's better for some use cases where you don't want a giant access point.
Thank you so much for this video. I am in the process of setting up the Omaha system now with two EAP-225 outdoor to wirelessly connect my home to my garage 30feet away…. I can’t wait to see your setup. Also if you have a video on VPN for Omada I would love to see it. Great video
Seems interesting but I'm not sure its actually THAT much cheaper then Ubiquiti. You only really blew out the price with a UDM pro. I'd bet a UDR for $200 performs similarly, gives you an extra AP and poe ports, unifi protect, etc. Total cost is now $458. Take the 6 pro and make it a 6 lite, you save another $50. Neglect the switch all together now as the UDR can power it, you have $300. All this to be said, seems they are very comparable in terms of price and value.
I've recently switched over to omada and am evaluating the router shown here vs my previous OPNSense setup. I don't need 99% of what opnsense can do, but having dynamicDNS only work on a small number of providers in omada without a custom option may be a dealbreaker. otherwise though, it's a great system so far.
The ER7206's update replacement needs to be a unit with 1xSFP+ IN, 1x SFP+ OUT and 4x assignable copper 1Gbe or 2.5Gbe to better compete with the Dream Machine for the many 1Gbe+ Internet Connections now available. I bought the cheap ER605 to get started, hoping that the upcoming replacement for the 7206 would be what I described.
they have camera/security systems called VIGI but it just doesn't work with omada controllers, i'd love to see something that can "unify" vigi and omada lineups
Their 10G SFP+ switches look very compelling, if I wouldn't already have CRS317, I would certainly give them a go. I heard they don't play nice with RJ45 SFP+ modules, but that's not a problem for me since all my 10G connections are either DACs or fiber.
I am unifi fan boy, just to get it out of the way, the dream machine does all the same as the pro for what you are looking for in this video. If you want to skip the fancy interface you can get an edgerouter for $60. The dream machine also has an internal wifi6 AP and POE so you could skip the switch and if a single AP is fine the AP you picked too. Total running fully managed network on one plug for $200.
I'm interested in TP-Link Omada APs, but I am not interested in the FW or switch. I assume the AP can be attached to any switch, but does the controller still function OK? Rather than just an AP controller, it seems to be a be a network controller. How well does it work in a mixed networking environment?
I actually do use the Omada 2.5G POE Switch! Together with the EAP670, EAP610, TL-SG3428X (10G Fibre connected to my server, Zyxel desktop switch and PC, aswell as the ER605 Firewall). I get about 900mbit over Wifi on my Macbook Pro M1, 800 on my iPhone when at most one wall is between them. Through 3 or more walls I still about 300mbit, so I really cant complain there. Only thing I dont like about Omada, is that when you adopt the switches with the controller I virtualized on an Ubuntu LXC, you lose a lot of features you otherwise could configure on the switches themselves.
I have this and it's great, but router in standalone mode is often considered and how well it works with another physical firewall is up in the air, will explore
I currently have a 24 port 1Gb unmanaged TrendNet switch in my house as all the rooms in my house have at least 1 or several cat5e wired connections. Should I replace the 24 port switch with a TP-Link Omada Managed switch? Or should I just get like an 8-port POE+ switch and not worry about managing the hardware devices? I'm an IT guy but just not convinced I really need to spend $300 to "manage" my hardware devices...Open to suggestions. Thank you in advance! And thanks for the video Raid Owl! Very informative!
Hi - Thanks for this video! I am really interested in the comparison from a security perspective. Given the Omada solution is pre-configured especially if you buy the OC200 is this a greater risk? The software can be accessed (and tuned) from the internet and as such does this mean it is more susceptible to hackers? You suggested that Unifi may have better firewall features. Are the differences significant or are both adequate? T
I wonder if I should go with Omada hardware in my new home since I read some horrible comments in facebook (FB) where people don't recommend any product from TP-Link. I'm a couple of month from moving to my new home in NC and I want to know the truth before I start buying anything from TP-Link. Thank you. 🤔
I currently have 1.2 GB Internet service from Comcast/Xfinity. While my cable modem has a 2.5 GB Ethernet port, my router only supports 1 GB, so I am not making full use of my Internet speed allotment.
I have a similar setup, with extra ap's, however, fiber has become available in my area and I am seeking to update to 2.5gbps. I found some Omada switches that can handle up to 10gbps, but what about routers? What router would you recommend so I can still keep my Omada wifi 6 gear, controller and both of my switches? Thanks for the vid!
I almost picked Omada over UniFi but I had heard way more about UniFi so I went with that instead. Looking at the prices I kinda wish I went the other way lol
Does controller needs to be all the time working, or you need them only for configuration and looking to the network when you need something? I mean, if you can run it on VM witch don't need to be online all the time.
I want to support your channel. Will you continue making videos on this subject?? Currently in the process of building a home server and upgrading the network. So far, I have purchased the Omada router and 2 AP with a POE switch (Running Omada software on my Linux server). Depending on how things go. I will have a low voltage tech come and run cat6, 6 drops for the POE camera (haven't decided on the brand), and 4 drops for the ceiling ap units. My current home is 3200 sqft, and want to make sure the coverage is good. Another question, do you have any experience with AC1200?
Yep, I plan on continuing Omada coverage and networking stuff in general. For the most part you'd be find with 2 solid APs in a 3200 sqft house. Mine is about that size and I run 3. If you have specific questions don't hesitate to join the Discord (link in description) as its easier for me or the crew to help.
Great video! I do have a few questions though. I'm getting this exact stack without the controller. Will be running the controller in a docker container inside a synology nas. The 2.5gb port will be connected to a 1gb switch, what do you lose exactly? Will I be getting the full AX5400 out of the EA670 AP? Very much a noob trying to upgrade my network for the vlan capabilities. Just wanted to know is it even worth getting a EA670 unless I have a better switch? Which alternate EA would be good to max out the 1gb port from Tp link? Thanks!
I've gotten to the point where I want to switch out my Unifi stuff to TP Link (or anything else!). I just hate that I have hundreds of dollars invested in Unifi, can you sell this stuff back or easily 3rd party?
Do the wireless APs have any kind of cover for where the ethernet cable comes in? It doesnt look like it and im worried if ceiling mounting you would be able to see the cable coming out the ceiling and going into the AP.
I was using only 1 Access Point (TP-Link EAP650) at home and a Controller (TP-Link OC200). I don't plan to extend more devices. Is it possible to just connect my Controller to Router (which is only one ethernet port), and I plug my Access Point from Controller? If so, are there any effects to my wifi speed? OR in that case, I should have used TP-Link Switch? (e.g. TL-SG2008P)
Nice Review!! @raid owl may i ask if i only buy the controller can i ran this omada setup? somehow in my country the omada router is not officially sold by Tplink (idk why) , Thanks!
2.5gb really dont make any sense to me when 10gb can be gotten for really close to the same money an maybe even kess at this point..i have had 10gb for 6-7 years +- ya have company's like mikrotik making 10gb switches as well as Netgear and unifi that really are nott priced out of reach & i also think this 2.5gb is going to die off before it really gets started! just my observation from the outside looking in !
nice video i am thinking to buy the oc200 currently i am having router er605,2 network switches with smart control and 1 access point, 1st question if i buy the oc200 i will need to make the network from 0? and 2nd what is your opinion is it worth it? i have setup multiple vpns on my er605 router and i have full access , also i need that this router has some good settings for firewall can u make a video about the firewall? thanks a lot
The Router would be 10 times better if 2 of the LAN ports were PoE.... then you could hook up your Controller and Wireless Access Point without an extra PoE switch inbetween.
What I don't like are the size of the APs shown in your video. I would prefer to have a mesh network instead of APs. At any rate, thank you for your video.🤔
@@RaidOwl Still those APs are too big for me; besides, I won't be able to install them on the ceiling as my new home will not have a data ceiling jack for those ugly APs.
The router specs looks like very “old” in terms of cpu/ram. How this “short stack” would handle 1gb internet connection with 30-40 clients? Around 10 wired and 30 wireless.
If I have enough LAN ports with the 4 in the router, do I then still need a switch? I am working on a home setup, so modem-router - then a cabled desktop computer and the rest of the house through wifi, so dont need 8 extra switchports. Alternatively - could I use a really basic one like this one: TP-Link TL-SG105E 5-Ports Gigabit. I "only" have a 1GB connection at home so this switch should be sufficient.
Another video showing the firewall and network controller, but here is the deal, you don't need both! They are redundant! The controller does everything PLUS MORE than that firewall. The main configuration is done through the controller, hence why it's called the CONTROLLER.
Great video for someone hoping to do a simple setup with TP-Link. One question. I currently have a Nighthawk in my basement. If I want to add in TP-Link with 2 APs upstairs, would I need to replace the Nighthawk with another AP in the basement? Or could I keep using the Nighthawk for wifi down there? Thanks!
@@RaidOwl One more question. If I wanted to put a new wifi router in the basement to work with Omada, would I need to get something like the AX1800? Or would something like the AX3000 work?
@@David-pb2su If its an 'Omada' branded AP then it'll be configurable by the Omada ecosystem. If not, then it'll still work but you won't be able to manage it from the Omada GUI.
My question is, why do the Omaha routers only have gigabit ports if everything else has 2.5g. For those blessed with multi gig Internet connections (sadly I'm not one of them 😭) it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
I'm waiting for my Omada Firewall/Router and AP to arrive but I didn't get the controller. My only concern is what's gonna happen if by any chance the pc/home server running the controller is off(outage, maintenance or else)
Yeah this why I like dedicated hardware. If you virtualize it and have the VM backed up then you should be able spin it back up on another system pretty quickly though.
Do the switches need to be omada compatible? Can i use one poe switch (for ap's) and one normal switch (for hard wired rooms) connected to omada router lan ports?
I've been running the "Tiny stack" (same as short stack but without controller, since I run the controller software on my laptop).
Best network I've ever owned and great value for the money! Super happy with the setup!
apart from mDNS being clunky, omada is great. i was running oc200 but later migrated to software controller and perfectly happy.
I'd be interested to see more about "short stack" homelabs for us apartment dwellers, especially when it comes to servers and storage solutions.
Got a pretty neat piece of hardware from QNAP coming up soon so stay tuned!
i dont know if an apartment is a good thing or not
Did this about a year ago now when my city installed fiber and GB speed. Moved from Charter and 100Mbps for $5 less. Got the router, hardware controller and 4 port POE switch and 3 WAPs (used another existing non tp link switch with this setup). I have yet to have to reboot while I needed to do that with my other setup usually once a month. Love that the WAPs are controlled so they all look like one so roaming between rooms is not an issue. Could have just used 2 of those but were cheap enough so added a third. I initially looked into Ubiquity and actually got the 10 port edge switch but the other equipment just said backordered and so I searched some more and found TP Link. No regrets.
Another alternative if you are somehow limited in space, you can get the Omada ER7212PC which is essentially this entire stack (except AP) but in a single unit. This appears to be a competitor with the UDM Pro/SE which is pretty cool.
Good call. and it has two SFP ports. Thanks
I've got a really simple Omada setup. Software controller, EAP245 and EAP225. Netgear 24-port POE switch. Extremely happy with it and as I complete beginner to network it was really easy to setup.
Thanks for confirming the Omada setup actually works without using their PoE switch. Most reviews I see its TPlink/Omada everything. I already have a 24-port PoE Switch and didn't feel like buying that again. Do you still get the similar monitoring since you have the software controller?
I love this setup, I run it now, and it's a lot better than my old Unifi setup, but I think what isn't as well known until after you are already invested, is that, their managed switches don't have feature parity with the Omada controller. If you link a managed switch to the controller, you're losing out on over 50% of the features that you could be getting out of the switch, compared to if you ran that switch independently.
TP-Link has some catching up to do, but I can see them catching up to Unifi if they improve that feature parity.
Love the Omada Eco Sys. Equipment im running, oc200, ER605, TL-SG2218, TL-sg3210XHP-M2, and 3 AP. Internet speed Fiber1GiG up/down. Never dropped and down time.
Running this but I use a pfsense firewall, the eap610 v2 and 2eap615-wall. Kids and wife don’t complain anymore abelio it lag or slow internet
Yup!!! I absolutely do not regret getting Omada. I got the basic entry except firewall. Because I use pfsense and it works great with it!! Because I plan to add more access points when I move to bigger house down the road. That's nice about it compared Ubiquiti. The only difference that sold me is "Local Account" I was really confused about Ubiquiti initial set up needing cloud account
How did you setup the firewall. I am looking at it but not clear on the benefit versus using the isp provided one.
@@AlejandroTaylorEscribano Hey! I used pfsense operating system and put it on my old build with AMD FX-6300 under clocked so it won't be power hungry. I repurposed my old build into firewall. Really all you need is Modem > Firewall> Switch (to computers) > AP (wireless). You actually get more control on what goes to your Home Network. ISP provided router is more (not a lot) exposed than firewall to serve as router. You'll have more locked down network and you can easily set up VPN when away from home. Hopefully that answers your question. The only thing I warn you is with firewall. You need to have patience to make it work (hence the word firewall) You need to poke holes to allow basic service come through. While ISP provided comes kinda of with a big hole. Let me know if you want more details.
@@michaelmcallister711 With your network setup of Modem > Firewall > Switch > Access Point, does your firewall also serve as your router? That is, does your firewall also include DHCP and DNS, thus serving as the gateway between your modem (Internet) and LAN?
@@Eternal_Tech Yes. Because from there you can have pfsense to give out DHCP and every client must respond to pfsense for DNS instead of either ISP's dns or directly to Google DNS. Not only that it really makes it easier to do VLANs that way instead of switch's DHCP and allow IoT things to communicate without hiccups and keep a tight security on network. So I rather a right circle with 1 way in and 1 way out only. I have no regrets setting up as router over ISP provided one. It gives me sense of peace.
I love the Omada line but these new access points are unnecessarily large.
Look at the EAP650 if you want something smaller.
I'm new to the TP-Link product line. I've started with the DECO XE75's. They were stupid simple to setup and even easier to reconfigure when I switched from cable to fiber optic.
You “ DO NOT’ need the controller. It is a nice idea to have a single point to control and monitor a network system it is not necessary. In my case I had a TP-Link system up and running just fine then came back later and installed a controller. What a mistake , it turned a functional system into a hot mess that took me awhile to get back up and running. In fact I did not get it back to exactly as it was yet and it looks like there are features missing , either that or they have them buried under menus I have not found yet.
You can also just put the controller on a computer and leave it running all the time lol. I recommend that for anyone who wants to try a controller before getting the hardware one
Omada has been growing a lot and putting pressure on Unifi. Been keeping an eye on it for family upgrades where it makes sense. The one point that's tough to swallow is the size of the APs -- they're HUGE. They need some better form factors that don't look like 50's sci-fi flying saucers.
There's the EAP650, much more Ubiquiti-like, but only 1GBit LAN. I'm lucky enough to hide a EAP660 above my wardrobe. Never ever would I install something like this in plain sight.
they now have the EAP610 v2 which is functionally identical to the v1 but a LOT smaller
@@JanosZakarias The EAP620 v3 is the same size and has more RAM. I am really between the 620 v3 and 660 but may end up with the 620 v3 until they can make the 660 smaller.
The reason for the form factor is that they can actually make really good use of the body to just put a larger antennae in it.
pretty cool devices at a very respectable cost. Unifi geek here and been using their products for over 2 years now. Havent had any issues, easily adopt new AP's when upgrading. Ill have to watch your other video on Unifi.
If this TP-Link gear was available years ago, i might of jumped down the TP-Link rabbit hole. great review
The Omada stuff is great, and getting better. I have used it for years and have seen it improve over time. I do not care for how huge the new AP's are, so I am sticking with my ceiling mounted 245's. I am also running the controller software on my server in a Docker container for stability.
Really looking forward to the whole set up. It would be great if you went into setting or using firewall in the Omada platform as well as what (if any) DNS servers you are using/recommend.
Thanks for the videos and keep 'em coming!
Yep that’ll be the second part of this video. Most likely next week 👍🏼
the "short stack" vlan enabled switch saved me a tons of money in my home lab
Hell yeah 💪🏼
I know you video here is a bit older. But it was still helpful. I’ve been using an edge router and UniFi gear but had enough issues to get a pfsense router and wanted to move away from UniFi and this was top of my list
On the unifi side they have the edge router x for $60 which would shave a big chunk off the cost. I have the really old version of that still kicking.
As someone who's starting to deploy these things, they're basically "UniFi, but in stock".
I really like omada. Ive been piecing together the short stack for the past couple weeks and ive been really impressed with the out of the box expiereince offers. even down to something as their easy smart switch utility. I run cameras both in the house and outside but having them being tied to my network isnt and will never be a big to do on my list as long as I can monitor those feeds and those devices with ease whether on network or on app doesnt really matter so I honestly prefer the copst effective solution that tp link offers for someone on a tighter budget,
Great to see more content on Omada series, Last year i decided to go with Omada over Unifi but i went with Firewalla Gold for my edge. I am hopping TPlink will release a more slim Wifi AP unit like what Unifi has. But i really like the single pane management of the omada for home network. I think the weak point for both the Omada and Unifi is there Edge devices, it would be nice to get something like the PFsense etc level of control. FWGold is nice as I like the ease of fast access control to lock down and open for kids and visitors, but i am trying out Sophos/PFsense etc just for home use they are bit more work to mange than i want FWG is much easier to deal with.
Yeah, I used it myself, for an controller I use minimal arch install as VM (it also runs Adguard home). Very stable, rock solid, highly recommend :)
10Gbps router coming very soon. It will be the ER8411 and a new outdoor access point called the EAP650-Outdoor along with many other new items coming. I am waiting for the ER8411 and will probably order 20 of them for myself and customers.
I say skip the router, run pfsense. can't say I have had any problems with my omada 28port poe+ switch, oc200, and eap245. amazing equipment for the price.
I think TpLink is on the right track, Omada while a Unifi Clone, its very good, the problem is more their hardware, specially the switches die much more often than Ubiquiti, i think over time they will nail it, but i had 2.5gb switch and 2x 10gb 4port die on me in less than a year.
Agree. Great product. Hope they grow into more products. I’m a 10gb guy. Would like to try this, if they grow. 👍
the VIGI lineup is the comparative NVR+IP Cam setup.
I'm surprised you didn't mention the EAP650 access point. It's not as powerful as the two you showed, but it's a bit cheaper and a lot smaller, so it's better for some use cases where you don't want a giant access point.
Or the er7212 3in 1 router controller and poe switch
It does the same as the stack but smaller and has options for gigabit fiber
Thank you so much for this video. I am in the process of setting up the Omaha system now with two EAP-225 outdoor to wirelessly connect my home to my garage 30feet away…. I can’t wait to see your setup. Also if you have a video on VPN for Omada I would love to see it. Great video
Seems interesting but I'm not sure its actually THAT much cheaper then Ubiquiti. You only really blew out the price with a UDM pro. I'd bet a UDR for $200 performs similarly, gives you an extra AP and poe ports, unifi protect, etc. Total cost is now $458.
Take the 6 pro and make it a 6 lite, you save another $50. Neglect the switch all together now as the UDR can power it, you have $300. All this to be said, seems they are very comparable in terms of price and value.
I've been loving mine. I use a pi 4 as my controller though, so saved about $150 at the time. But I guess the oc200 is half the price it used to be!
I've recently switched over to omada and am evaluating the router shown here vs my previous OPNSense setup. I don't need 99% of what opnsense can do, but having dynamicDNS only work on a small number of providers in omada without a custom option may be a dealbreaker. otherwise though, it's a great system so far.
Hello. Would be great if you could review the cheaper APs like the 610 and 61.
would really like a video on how to do a proxmox virtualization of pfSense or the Omada software!
There's a one line Proxmox setup script for each of those, works great
The ER7206's update replacement needs to be a unit with 1xSFP+ IN, 1x SFP+ OUT and 4x assignable copper 1Gbe or 2.5Gbe to better compete with the Dream Machine for the many 1Gbe+ Internet Connections now available. I bought the cheap ER605 to get started, hoping that the upcoming replacement for the 7206 would be what I described.
How supporting is the tp-link warranty program?
they have camera/security systems called VIGI but it just doesn't work with omada controllers, i'd love to see something that can "unify" vigi and omada lineups
Their 10G SFP+ switches look very compelling, if I wouldn't already have CRS317, I would certainly give them a go. I heard they don't play nice with RJ45 SFP+ modules, but that's not a problem for me since all my 10G connections are either DACs or fiber.
I am unifi fan boy, just to get it out of the way, the dream machine does all the same as the pro for what you are looking for in this video. If you want to skip the fancy interface you can get an edgerouter for $60. The dream machine also has an internal wifi6 AP and POE so you could skip the switch and if a single AP is fine the AP you picked too. Total running fully managed network on one plug for $200.
I just got the ER707-M2 Gateway. Now maybe I can use my 2GB fiber connection.
I'm interested in TP-Link Omada APs, but I am not interested in the FW or switch. I assume the AP can be attached to any switch, but does the controller still function OK? Rather than just an AP controller, it seems to be a be a network controller. How well does it work in a mixed networking environment?
I actually do use the Omada 2.5G POE Switch!
Together with the EAP670, EAP610, TL-SG3428X (10G Fibre connected to my server, Zyxel desktop switch and PC, aswell as the ER605 Firewall).
I get about 900mbit over Wifi on my Macbook Pro M1, 800 on my iPhone when at most one wall is between them. Through 3 or more walls I still about 300mbit, so I really cant complain there.
Only thing I dont like about Omada, is that when you adopt the switches with the controller I virtualized on an Ubuntu LXC, you lose a lot of features you otherwise could configure on the switches themselves.
Not sure if I should go with Omada short stack or with UniFi new CGM. I already own a Lorex NVR+Security cameras.
I have this and it's great, but router in standalone mode is often considered and how well it works with another physical firewall is up in the air, will explore
You don't actually need the controller software. I use it. But at least all my devices do have their own landing page.
I have all that and i love it but i have a pfsense box before it I love it
I currently have a 24 port 1Gb unmanaged TrendNet switch in my house as all the rooms in my house have at least 1 or several cat5e wired connections. Should I replace the 24 port switch with a TP-Link Omada Managed switch? Or should I just get like an 8-port POE+ switch and not worry about managing the hardware devices? I'm an IT guy but just not convinced I really need to spend $300 to "manage" my hardware devices...Open to suggestions. Thank you in advance! And thanks for the video Raid Owl! Very informative!
Fantastic review! Thank you so much.
Can it be used without the software? I.e just login via a local device Web interface if you only want one device for example
Yep!
Hi - Thanks for this video! I am really interested in the comparison from a security perspective. Given the Omada solution is pre-configured especially if you buy the OC200 is this a greater risk? The software can be accessed (and tuned) from the internet and as such does this mean it is more susceptible to hackers? You suggested that Unifi may have better firewall features. Are the differences significant or are both adequate? T
I wonder if I should go with Omada hardware in my new home since I read some horrible comments in facebook (FB) where people don't recommend any product from TP-Link. I'm a couple of month from moving to my new home in NC and I want to know the truth before I start buying anything from TP-Link. Thank you. 🤔
Tplink is maybe good for a coffee shop but enterprise? Wishful thinking
I think EAP650 is good enough for most home usecases and also is smaller
Wheres the link to the squirrel hand?
I curious of their AP size compared to unifi and also to see you configuring these omada products! Thanks
The 650 is much smaller than the ones he showed.
Have you got a setup video?
What is the point of anything over gigabit given the fastest internet connections for the home are gigabit max and that is at peak.
When you want to transfer files between PCs within your network your ISP connection speed is irrelevant.
I currently have 1.2 GB Internet service from Comcast/Xfinity. While my cable modem has a 2.5 GB Ethernet port, my router only supports 1 GB, so I am not making full use of my Internet speed allotment.
Any thoughts about running the Omada router/firewall vs. something like opnsense or pfsense?
I'm deploying the Omada system here soon. I do want to deploy security cameras with local storage what would you recommend?
Can you use the USB 2.0 on the router as ftp? E.g. for security camera storage?
not to mention tech support is fantastic
I have a similar setup, with extra ap's, however, fiber has become available in my area and I am seeking to update to 2.5gbps. I found some Omada switches that can handle up to 10gbps, but what about routers? What router would you recommend so I can still keep my Omada wifi 6 gear, controller and both of my switches? Thanks for the vid!
Firewalla Gold Plus looks fantastic for 2.5Gbps, but it's expensive, and currently only available for preorder (shipping January).
@@Daniel15au thanks for the info!
I almost picked Omada over UniFi but I had heard way more about UniFi so I went with that instead. Looking at the prices I kinda wish I went the other way lol
Unifi holds its value pretty well 🤔
@@RaidOwl I DON’T NEED YOUR LOGIC
I think I read somewhere where tplink VIGI cameras work with Omada software.
Does controller needs to be all the time working, or you need them only for configuration and looking to the network when you need something? I mean, if you can run it on VM witch don't need to be online all the time.
I want to support your channel. Will you continue making videos on this subject?? Currently in the process of building a home server and upgrading the network. So far, I have purchased the Omada router and 2 AP with a POE switch (Running Omada software on my Linux server). Depending on how things go. I will have a low voltage tech come and run cat6, 6 drops for the POE camera (haven't decided on the brand), and 4 drops for the ceiling ap units. My current home is 3200 sqft, and want to make sure the coverage is good. Another question, do you have any experience with AC1200?
Yep, I plan on continuing Omada coverage and networking stuff in general. For the most part you'd be find with 2 solid APs in a 3200 sqft house. Mine is about that size and I run 3. If you have specific questions don't hesitate to join the Discord (link in description) as its easier for me or the crew to help.
@@RaidOwl Thanks for the reply and info. I signed up on Patron to support your channel.
Your content has been too good!
You da man!
Great video! I do have a few questions though. I'm getting this exact stack without the controller. Will be running the controller in a docker container inside a synology nas. The 2.5gb port will be connected to a 1gb switch, what do you lose exactly? Will I be getting the full AX5400 out of the EA670 AP? Very much a noob trying to upgrade my network for the vlan capabilities. Just wanted to know is it even worth getting a EA670 unless I have a better switch? Which alternate EA would be good to max out the 1gb port from Tp link? Thanks!
Great vid man!
Thank you!
I've gotten to the point where I want to switch out my Unifi stuff to TP Link (or anything else!). I just hate that I have hundreds of dollars invested in Unifi, can you sell this stuff back or easily 3rd party?
Yeah I’m sure you can get a good amount back selling locally or eBay
What do you think of the 3-in-1 switch, firewall, controller they have?
Do the wireless APs have any kind of cover for where the ethernet cable comes in? It doesnt look like it and im worried if ceiling mounting you would be able to see the cable coming out the ceiling and going into the AP.
I was using only 1 Access Point (TP-Link EAP650) at home and a Controller (TP-Link OC200). I don't plan to extend more devices. Is it possible to just connect my Controller to Router (which is only one ethernet port), and I plug my Access Point from Controller? If so, are there any effects to my wifi speed?
OR in that case, I should have used TP-Link Switch? (e.g. TL-SG2008P)
Nice Review!! @raid owl may i ask if i only buy the controller can i ran this omada setup? somehow in my country the omada router is not officially sold by Tplink (idk why) ,
Thanks!
2.5gb really dont make any sense to me when 10gb can be gotten for really close to the same money an maybe even kess at this point..i have had 10gb for 6-7 years +- ya have company's like mikrotik making 10gb switches as well as Netgear and unifi that really are nott priced out of reach & i also think this 2.5gb is going to die off before it really gets started! just my observation from the outside looking in !
nice video i am thinking to buy the oc200 currently i am having router er605,2 network switches with smart control and 1 access point, 1st question if i buy the oc200 i will need to make the network from 0? and 2nd what is your opinion is it worth it? i have setup multiple vpns on my er605 router and i have full access , also i need that this router has some good settings for firewall can u make a video about the firewall? thanks a lot
The Router would be 10 times better if 2 of the LAN ports were PoE.... then you could hook up your Controller and Wireless Access Point without an extra PoE switch inbetween.
Hey Raid Owl where did you get the V.2 er605 im running the V.1 and would like to swap it out, cant find it on amazon im in the U.S.
I literally just bought the finger puppet squirrel on amazon … @1:20s… my cat is spoiled
What I don't like are the size of the APs shown in your video. I would prefer to have a mesh network instead of APs. At any rate, thank you for your video.🤔
Omada will automatically mesh your APs
@@RaidOwl Still those APs are too big for me; besides, I won't be able to install them on the ceiling as my new home will not have a data ceiling jack for those ugly APs.
The router specs looks like very “old” in terms of cpu/ram.
How this “short stack” would handle 1gb internet connection with 30-40 clients? Around 10 wired and 30 wireless.
If I have enough LAN ports with the 4 in the router, do I then still need a switch? I am working on a home setup, so modem-router - then a cabled desktop computer and the rest of the house through wifi, so dont need 8 extra switchports. Alternatively - could I use a really basic one like this one: TP-Link TL-SG105E 5-Ports Gigabit. I "only" have a 1GB connection at home so this switch should be sufficient.
Another video showing the firewall and network controller, but here is the deal, you don't need both! They are redundant!
The controller does everything PLUS MORE than that firewall.
The main configuration is done through the controller, hence why it's called the CONTROLLER.
You are VERY incorrect my guy
@@RaidOwl okay, do you have a video that shows further detail into the firewall and controller??
I have an older one from last year about Omada firewall setup but I’m filming a new one tomorrow.
I’ve just bought the TL-SG2210P. But the version is 3.0. Omada SDN works on this version?
Do I still need to activate my devices when I use OC200 or it just for SDN?
What is the point/function of the controller? Cant you just use the Web GUI of the router and have the same options, in terms of a home lab setup.
It lets you control/monitor all your devices in one place rather than separate GUIs.
15:40..
Ok, but did you get an offer to review a toilet brush?
That would be something..
I would watch..
I wish
I just got an omada router and wifi access point, but am not sure what the "switch" box does. Simply adds more ports to directly connect devices?
Correct
Great video for someone hoping to do a simple setup with TP-Link.
One question. I currently have a Nighthawk in my basement. If I want to add in TP-Link with 2 APs upstairs, would I need to replace the Nighthawk with another AP in the basement? Or could I keep using the Nighthawk for wifi down there?
Thanks!
You could keep using the Nighthawk. It just wouldn’t be configurable via the Omada ecosystem
@@RaidOwl Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it. I will be sure to use your affiliate links since your video really helped me out.
@@RaidOwl One more question. If I wanted to put a new wifi router in the basement to work with Omada, would I need to get something like the AX1800? Or would something like the AX3000 work?
@@David-pb2su If its an 'Omada' branded AP then it'll be configurable by the Omada ecosystem. If not, then it'll still work but you won't be able to manage it from the Omada GUI.
My question is, why do the Omaha routers only have gigabit ports if everything else has 2.5g. For those blessed with multi gig Internet connections (sadly I'm not one of them 😭) it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
What can you use the SFP ports for?
What about Mikrotik?
Alot cheaper, but Mikrotik has a much greater learning curve.
Great video
What is the range like on the AP?
Does Deco X75 support Omada and can it be configured with Omada controller ?? Please let me know.
Can this be 605 be integrated with surf shark?
300+300 total 600mbs can be out ?? Without any diaturbance ???
I'm waiting for my Omada Firewall/Router and AP to arrive but I didn't get the controller. My only concern is what's gonna happen if by any chance the pc/home server running the controller is off(outage, maintenance or else)
Yeah this why I like dedicated hardware. If you virtualize it and have the VM backed up then you should be able spin it back up on another system pretty quickly though.
Do the switches need to be omada compatible? Can i use one poe switch (for ap's) and one normal switch (for hard wired rooms) connected to omada router lan ports?
Yeah it’ll all work but you won’t get the all the Omada management features for non-Omada gear.
I wish I heard about the Omada stuff before I went deep into UniFi hardware. :(
Unifi stuff does have good resale value 🤔