Differences Between Omada Controllers
This guide is to give a break down of the key differences between the 4 different types of controllers for Omada devices.
Types of Controller:
Cloud-Based Omada Central Essentials
Cloud-Based Omada Central Standard
Hardware Controller (OC200/OC300/OC400)
Software Controller
Controller Features:
| Cloud-Based Controller | On-Premises Controller (Hybrid Cloud) | |||
Essentials | Standard | Hardware (OC400/ OC300/ OC200) | Software Controller | ||
Pricing | Free | Device License Fee | Hardware Cost for each site. Free Cloud Access | Constant PC/Server Operation. Free Cloud Access | |
Management Scale | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 ~ 1000 Devices | Unlimited* | |
Zero-touch Provisioning | Yes | Yes | No | No | |
MSP Mode for Multi-Customer Management | No | Yes | No | Yes | |
Configuration | VLAN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Port Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
PPSK | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
VPN | WireGuard Only | L2TP/PPTP/SSL/Open VPN/IPSEC/WireGuard | |||
Fast Roaming & Mesh | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Security | Port Isolation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Authentication | Simple Password / Voucher/ Form Auth | Simple Password / Voucher/ Form Auth / Local User / SMS/ RADIUS (802.1x) / External LDAP Server/ External Portal Server. | |||
ACL | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Intrusion Prevention system (IPS) & /Intrusion Detection System (IDS) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Maintenance | Topology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Troubleshooting | SSH/Network Check / Terminal | SSH/Network Check/ Terminal / Packet Capture | |||
Logs / Alerts | Basic | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | |
Open API | No | Yes | Yes** | Yes | |
WLAN Optimisation | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
* Management scale of the Software Controller depends on the Spec of the PC/Server running the software. It is recommended to have less than 10,000 devices.
** The OC200 is the only hardware controller that does not support Open API.
For more Information visit: https://www.omadanetworks.com/uk/business-networking/omada/controller/
Guide Created January 2026