ASCII.jp TP-Link Introduces Cloud Management Solution "Omada SDN Solution" at Interop

At the "Interop Tokyo 2021" that started on April 14, 2021, TP-Link Japan's (TP-Link) cloud management business network solution "Omada SDN Solution" won the "Interop Best of Show Award." (Enterprise IT category)", won the Special Jury Prize.

Omada SDN Solution is a cloud solution that allows you to centrally manage the company's wireless LAN access points, PoE switches, and VPN routers with a monthly fee of 0 yen. In addition to general offices and accommodation facilities, it is said that it is being widely introduced both indoors and outdoors, such as distribution warehouses, tourist facilities, student dormitories, and campsites operated by local governments. I asked about this solution at the TP-Link booth at Interop.

TP-Link booth at "Interop Tokyo 2021"

Not only offices, but also hotels, condominiums, warehouses, and campsites

Omada SDN Solution is equipped with TP-Link corporate VPN routers, PoE switches, and wireless LAN access points. It is a solution that can be used by installing the hardware controller "OC200" or "OC300" in the local network. The small OC200 can control up to 100 devices/1,000 clients, and the medium-sized OC300 can control up to 500 devices/15,000 clients.

In recent years, similar cloud-managed solutions have appeared from various network product vendors, but the main feature of Omada is that the management service usage fee is set to "free". Purchasing a hardware controller enables cloud management at no additional cost. Such a “buy-out” type license is said to be especially appreciated by local governments where it is difficult to obtain a continuous budget such as monthly payment.

Overview of Omada SDN Solution (from company pamphlet). Enables centralized monitoring and management of network devices via Omada hardware controller

Omada SDN Solution hardware controller "OC300"

Because it is possible to grasp the network status via the cloud and centrally manage it, it is said that it has been well received by managers of chain business hotels and condominiums, as well as regional SIers with a wide range of business. In the event of a failure, it is possible to grasp the situation without having to visit the site, and it is possible to take initial measures such as rebooting the device, which improves the efficiency of network management work.

Network operation status can be visualized from mobile devices

Currently, there are 5 models of corporate network equipment that are compatible with Omada, including indoor and outdoor models for access points, 17 models for switches including full 10G and PoE support, and 2 models for VPN routers. It is said that these are also used in unique ways.

"For example, we want to lay a network across an old distribution warehouse, but we don't have an Ethernet cable installed. So we installed 13 EAP225-Outdoor units that support mesh Wi-Fi to cover the entire warehouse, In addition, since the administration building and each cottage are separated from each cottage at a rural campground, we cover the cottages with mesh Wi-Fi starting from the administration building.” (TP-Link person in charge)

In addition, it is said that it is also used for laying the Internet in all apartments. "The TP-Link device is inexpensive, so it's easy for people to try it out, wondering if it's possible to use it in this way," said the person in charge.

Examples of introduction at tourist facilities (from company pamphlet). Indoor/outdoor (rooftop) coverage using wired and mesh connections. Network cameras, ticket vending machines, entrance gates, etc.

In addition, on the Interop Tokyo company page, which is still being held online, Omada SDN Solution and Wi-Fi 6 compatible access point "EAP660 HD" are introduced.