Đánh giá access point tp link năm 2024

Được trang bị công nghệ MU-MIMO Wave 2 802.11ac mới nhất, EAP225 dễ dàng cung cấp tốc độ Wi-Fi băng tần kép lên đến 1350 Mbps đến các thiết bị trong cùng lúc.

Phần mềm điều khiển EAP

Quản lý tập trung dễ dàng hơn

Quản lý và giám sát hàng trăm EAP một cách dễ dàng, tất cả từ một địa điểm. Phần mềm điểu khiển Omada TP-Link cung cấp một giao diện quản lý trực quan. Kiểm soát và lập bản đồ toàn bộ mạng từ bất kỳ máy tính được kết nối. Không thêm bất kỳ chi phí nào và không cần hướng dẫn đặc biệt. Quản lý Wi-Fi của doanh nghiệp chưa bao giờ hiệu quả và tiết kiệm chi phí đến vậy

Xác thực khách hiệu quả với hỗ trợ Facebook và SMS

Captive Portal giúp duy trì các khách hàng chỉ được ủy quyền sử dụng mạng, trình bày các thiết bị với phương pháp xác thực thuận tiện, thân thiện để cấp quyền truy cập Wi-Fi. Việc bổ sung tính năng xác thực SMS và Facebook đơn giản hóa cổng thông tin cá nhân hơn nữa để đơn giản hóa kết nối và thúc đẩy doanh nghiệp của bạn.

Nhiều lựa chọn PoE để dễ dàng cài đặt

EAP225 hỗ trợ chuẩn cấp nguồn PoE 802.3af PoE và PoE Passive, có thể cấp nguồn bằng switch PoE hoặc bộ chuyển đổi nguồn PoE giúp triển khai linh hoạt và dễ dàng hơn.

Wi-Fi thống nhất cho môi trường kinh doanh đa người dùng

Giải pháp Wi-Fi 11ac cấp doanh nghiệp Omada được thiết kế để xử lý việc nhiều người dùng trong các khu vực rộng lớn mà không gặp phải các vấn đề về độ ổn định như các router chuẩn và điểm truy cập được sử dụng tại nhà. Đây là sự lựa chọn hoàn hảo cho các nhà nghỉ, tiệm, chuỗi cửa hàng, trường học và nhà hàng.

Mạng khách an toàn cùng với nhiều tùy chọn xác thực (SMS / Facebook Wi-Fi / Phiếu thưởng, v.v.) và các công nghệ bảo mật không dây phong phú

• Multi-SSID chia nhiều mạng không dây cho những người dùng khác nhau
• Bảo mật Wi-Fi cấp doanh nghiệp giúp giảm các mối đe dọa bảo mật mạng
• Hỗ trợ quản lý vlan để tăng cường quản lý mạng
• thiết kế nhỏ gọn để bàn hoặc treo trần nhà

Quản lý tập trung đám mây miễn phí

Quản lý và giám sát hàng trăm EAP một cách dễ dàng, tất cả từ một địa điểm duy nhất. Phần mềm TP-Link Omada Controller cung cấp một giao diện quản lý trực quan. Kiểm soát và vạch ra toàn bộ mạng từ bất kỳ PC được kết nối nào. Không có thêm chi phí và không cần đào tạo đặc biệt. Quản lý Wi-Fi doanh nghiệp chưa bao giờ hiệu quả và tiết kiệm chi phí. Bộ điều khiển Omada Cloud Controller OC200 và Bộ điều khiển phần mềm Omada giúp dễ dàng quản lý và giám sát toàn bộ mạng Omada trong thời gian thực, trong khi dịch vụ đám mây cho phép truy cập từ xa và an toàn bất kể người dùng ở đâu.

Quản lý dễ dàng với ứng dụng Omada

Làm theo hướng dẫn cấu hình trên ứng dụng Omada miễn phí để thiết lập trong vài phút. Omada cho phép người dùng định cấu hình cài đặt, theo dõi trạng thái mạng và quản lý khách hàng, tất cả từ sự tiện lợi của điện thoại thông minh hoặc máy tính bảng.

My cable-supplied router I found out is a 5 Ghz-only model, and I bought all these gee-whiz Wi-Fi goodies, like smart plugs, a thermostat, and a cat feeder. I get them all in to find they have a major drawback, they're all 2.4 Ghz only. After thinking it over, I decided to add this 2.5 Ghz router to my network using a Cat 5 cable to the original router, and now I have the network I need for my smart stuff, which I control from my smartphone, and everything works at last!

Strong signal, good connection, wall-mountable, it comes with a Cat 5 cable, and works like a charm, everything works seamlessly. Glad I purchased it, worth every penny to me.

In early 2019, I tried out TP-Link Omada access points (APs) for the first time to create a low-cost do-it-yourself mesh Wi-Fi system. Since then, I've used many sets -- varying from two to five units. They are all still working today.

You can use these APs individually as a standalone broadcaster, applicable to a small home where you only need one. In that case, check out my review of them as individual access points.

On the home front, TP-Link Omada hardware offers more features at a significantly lower cost than any similarly-specced purpose-built systems, such as the Netgear Orbi RBK860 series or even the supposedly low-cost Google Nest Wifi Pro.

For advanced users, an Omada-based mesh set is comparable to other highly-flexible do-it-yourself setups, such as the Asus AiMesh and Synology Mesh, and better in terms of cost and wiring, thanks to the PoE support.

And for business, among other things, going Omada means you won't need to pay any subscription when you want to have a cloud-based portal for remote management.

Keep in mind, though, that this is a business system, meaning it tends to be a bit harder to set up. Also, these access point uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) and apply only to those who have run network cables.

Here's the bottom line: An Omada-based mesh system is not for everyone. But it's more than worth the cost and effort if you're looking to build a reliable mesh network for a large or even sprawling wired property. I highly recommend it.

Dong's note: I first published this review on March 26, 2019, using Wi-Fi 5 hardware and updated it on November 12, 2022, with Wi-Fi 6 access points.

Here's my most recent set of TP-Link Omada-based mesh with the latest Wi-Fi 6 access points - an EAP670, an EAP610, and the OC200 controller.

Table of Contents

TP-Link Omada Mesh: Advanced Wi-Fi solutions on affordable hardware

You can't label something as affordable without mentioning the price. So, here's the list of Omada hardware I've used in the past years and their current costs -- there are other options, including those with faster Wi-Fi standards and tiers.

• Wi-Fi 5 access points (each has a Gigabit PoE port and includes a passive PoE injector):
  • EAP225-Outdoor: $70
  • EAP225: $60
  • EAP245 access point: $80
• Wi-Fi 6 (each includes a power adapter):
  • EAP610: $80 (Gigabit PoE+ port)
  • EAP670: $150 (2.5GbE Multi-Gig PoE+ port)
• Controller:
  • OC200: $100. Or
  • Software controller: gratis (a network computer required.)

Omada Wi-Fi 5 access points generally include a passive PoE injector and no power adapter. The Wi-Fi 6 (and 6E) counterparts, however, don't have an injector but a power adapter. It's best to use them with a PoE switch. If you use one of these Omada-ready switches, it can be managed as part of the system, but a third-party switch works fine, and you can easily find Mulit-Gig options.

A passive PoE injector that accompanies each TP-Link Wi-Fi 5 access point.

To put things in perspective, if I go with two low-end Wi-Fi 6 Omada EAP610 access points and an OC200 controller unit, the cost would be $260, significantly lower than a 2-pack Google Nest Wifi Pro.

Here are my original Wi-Fi 5 Omada access points, the EAP225 Outdoor, and the EPA225. Both have been working for years.

TP-Link’s Omada business APs: A wide range of options

Depending on your property, you can choose a mix of different or the same supported access points. No matter what combination you use, the setup process and ongoing management remain largely the same.

For testing, in 2019, I chose two Wi-Fi 5 access points, and this second time in late 2022, I used two Wi-Fi 6 units, as shown in the photos above.

Other than the Wi-Fi specs, these APs have a lot in common. They support PoE and can work as a standalone broadcaster or part of an Omada mesh when a controller is involved.

You can use a group of Omada access points as individual standard broadcasters, and they will deliver extensive Wi-Fi coverage. However, in this case, you'll need to manage them individually and have little or no mesh functionality.

That said, if you intend to use multiple Omada APs, a controller, such as the low-cost Omada OC200, is greatly recommended.

In terms of coverage, each unit can handle from 1700 ft2 (158 m2)to about 2500 ft2 (232 m2), depending on the specs. Based on your property's layout, you can get a mix of different applicable models.

Generally, with an existing router, a set of a few APs and a controller will give you a robust Wi-Fi system with many options in management, Wi-Fi speeds, and features.

With that, let's check out the specs of the hardware tested extensively for this review.

Hardware specifications: Tested TP-Link business Omada-mesh access points

I've installed many Omada models in various locations, but the four below are those I tested for the official scores in the performance section below. I tried them using the same residential settings.

NameTP-Link Omada EAP670 Wi-Fi 6 Access PointTP-Link Omada EAP610 Wi-Fi 6 Access PointTP-Link Omada EAP225-Outdoor Wi-Fi 5 Access pointTP-Link Omada EAP225 Wi-Fi 5 Access pointModelEAP670EAP610EAP225-Outdoor EAP225 Wi-Fi 5Device TypePoE Access PointPoE Access PointPoE Access PointPoE Access PointAccessories Included• Power Adapter • Ceiling/Wall Mounting Kits• Power Adapter • Ceiling/Wall Mounting Kits• Passive PoE injector • Ceiling/Wall Mounting Kits• Passive PoE injector • Ceiling/Wall Mounting KitsWi-Fi BandwidthDual-band AX5400Dual-band AX1800Dual-band AC1250Dual-band AC13505GHz Band (channel width)4x4 AX: Up to 4804 Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz)2x2 AX: Up to 1201 Mbps (20/40/80MHz)2x2 AC: Up to 887Mbps (20/40/80MHz)2x2 AC: Up to 887Mbps (20/40/80MHz)2.4GHz Band (channel width)2x2 AX: Up to 574 Mbps (20/40MHz)2x2 AX: Up to 574 Mbps (20/40MHz)2x2 Wi-Fi 4: Up to 300Mbps (20/40MHz)3x3 Wi-Fi 4: Up to 450Mbps (20/40MHz)PoE Standard802.3at PoE (injector not included)802.3at PoE 48V Passive PoE (injector not included)802.3af PoE (passive injector included)802.3af PoE (passive injector included)Port1× 2.5GbE (PoE)1× 1GbE (PoE)1× 1GbE (PoE)1× 1GbE (PoE)Dimensions9.6 × 9.6 × 2.5 in (243 × 243 × 64 mm)6.3 × 6.3 × 1.3 in (160 × 160 × 33.6 mm)8.5 × 1.8 × 1.1 in (215 × 46 × 27 mm)8.1 × 7.1 × 1.5 in (206 × 182 × 37 mm)Weight1.7 lbs (782 g).9 lb (402 g).37 lb (168.2 g)1.10 lbs (499 g)MU-MIMOYesYesYesYesOFDMAYesYesNoNoTotal SSIDs16 (8 for each band)16 (8 for each band)16 8 for each band)16 (8 for each band)Captive PortalYesYesYesYesWireless Functions• 1024-QAM • 4× Longer OFDM Symbol • OFDMA • Multiple SSIDs (Up to 16 SSIDs, 8 for each band) • Enable/Disable Wireless Radio • Automatic Channel Assignment • Transmit Power Control (Adjust Transmit Power on dBm) • QoS(WMM) • MU-MIMO • Seamless Roaming • Omada Mesh • Band Steering • Load Balance • Airtime Fairness • Beamforming • Rate Limit • Reboot Schedule • Wireless Schedule • Wireless Statistics based on SSID/AP/Client • HE160 (160 MHz Bandwidth)• 1024-QAM • 4× Longer OFDM Symbol • OFDMA • Multiple SSIDs (Up to 16 SSIDs, 8 for each band) • Enable/Disable Wireless Radio • Automatic Channel Assignment • Transmit Power Control (Adjust Transmit Power on dBm) • QoS(WMM) • MU-MIMO • Seamless Roaming • Omada Mesh • Band Steering • Load Balance • Airtime Fairness • Beamforming • Rate Limit • Reboot Schedule • Wireless Schedule • Wireless Statistics based on SSID/AP/ClientSame• Multiple SSIDs (Up to 16 SSIDs, 8 for each band) • Enable/Disable Wireless Radio • Automatic Channel Assignment • Transmit Power Control (Adjust Transmit Power on dBm) • QoS(WMM) • Seamless Roaming* • Omada Mesh* • Band Steering • Load Balance • MU-MIMO • Airtime Fairness • Beamforming • Rate Limit • Reboot Schedule • Wireless Schedule • Wireless Statistics based on SSID/AP/Client• Multiple SSIDs (Up to 16 SSIDs, 8 for each band) • Enable/Disable Wireless Radio • Automatic Channel Assignment • Transmit Power Control (Adjust Transmit Power on dBm) • QoS(WMM) • Seamless Roaming* • Omada Mesh* • Band Steering • Load Balance • MU-MIMO • Airtime Fairness • Beamforming • Rate Limit • Reboot Schedule • Wireless Schedule • Wireless Statistics based on SSID/AP/ClientPower AdapterInput: 110-240V Output: 12 V / 1.5 A DC (included)Input: 110-240V Output: 12 V / 1.5 A DC (included)PoE-onlyPoE-onlyPower Consumption (per 24 hours)≈ 210 Wh (measured with power adapter)≈ 170 Wh (measured with power adapter)not testednot testedUS Price (at review)$150$99$70$60Hardware specifications: TP-Link Omada EAP670 vs EAP610 vs EAP225-Outdoor vs EAP225

Three Omada controller options

Again, the main benefit of using a controller is the ability to manage multiple access points in one place -- you can combine multiple hardware units into a robust mesh system.

There are three options for Omada controllers, including two hardware controllers the $100 OC200 and the $160 OC300 and a free software controller.

The hardware controllers allow users to manage their mesh locally no personal information is required with an option to add a TP-Link Tether login account to turn the network management cloud-based via TP-Link.

The TP-Link Omada OC200 Cloud controller is a compact device that doesn't include a power adapter or PoE injector.

If you use the software controller, you must surrender your email up front, even before incorporating it with a Tether account.

No matter which controller you use, you'll manage the mesh network via a standard web user interface. And when you opt for the TP-Link login cloud, there's also an optional TP-LInk Omada mobile app.

TP-Link and your privacy

Having to sign in with an account generally means your hardware always connects to the vendor. That translates into inherent privacy risks. On this matter, the Chinese networking company, among other things, insists that it is based in Hong Kong and offers this assurance:

"TP-Link takes privacy seriously and complies with U.S. policies to protect consumers."

TP-Link's Privacy Policy page.

Managing your home network via a third party is never a good idea. Privacy is a matter of degree. Data collection and handling vary vendor by vendor.

Other than that, here are some extra bullet points:

• You need to use a controller from the beginning. If you're already using an AP or APs as individual standalone broadcasters and later want to add a controller, you'll need to reset them all to factory settings and build the mesh from scratch -- the controller only detects non-initialized APs.
• Conversely, once a controller is involved, you can no longer manage any AP individually -- until you reset it.
• You can only use one controller in a system at a time. To change from one controller to another, you can export (back up) the settings from the old one and import them to the replacement. You'll need to reset the hardware and set up the entire system from scratch if a backup is unavailable. (It's a good idea to make a backup to export the settings after each time you've made some changes.)
• Ideally, you should have a controller running at all times. However, you might get away with turning it off occasionally.

I've always used the OC200, and it's proven to be more than worth the small extra cost.

I've tried the software controller with similar success, but having a computer on at all times only for the Wi-Fi system can be a big waste of energy, not to mention the much higher hardware cost. So use the software only if you already have a computer running 24/7 for other needs.

It's worth noting that I've never used more than five Omada APs in a system. In most of my real-world cases, two or three were enough for the coverage. But no matter how many you use, the general experience is the same.

Omada OC200 Cloud Controller: Compact and PoE

The OC200 is the most practical of the three options. It's an affordable compact device that packs a good punch.

The TP-Link Omada OC200 Cloud comes with two network ports, one of which is a PoE port which is the preferred way to get power (from a PoE switch or an injector.)

Specifically, the OC200 can manage up to 100 Omada APs in a single system. It has both PoE and micro-USB power options. Interestingly, it includes neither an injector, a power adapter, nor a USB cable.

That said, you'll need to use this controller with a PoE switch -- it supports . Or you can plug it into a phone charger via a standard micro-USB cable or a computer's USB port.

Omada OC200: Hardware specifications

Interface1 × 10/100Mbps Port 1x 10/100Mbps PoE port 1 × USB 2.0 Port (configuration backup) 1 × Micro USB Port (power)Power Supply802.3af PoE (compatible with PoE+ and PoE++) Micro USB（DC 5V/1A）Dimensions3.9 × 3.9 × 1.0 in (100 × 98 × 25mm)Management ScaleUp to 100 Omada access points, routers, or switchesWireless FunctionsL3 Management Multi-SSID Load Balance Band Steering Airtime Fairness Beamforming Rate Limit Wireless Schedule QoSSupported Wireless SecurityCaptive Portal Authentication Access Control Wireless Mac Address Filtering Wireless Isolation Between Clients SSID to VLAN Mapping Rogue AP DetectionAP ManagementAutomatic device discovery Batch configuration Batch firmware upgrading Intelligent network monitoring Event logs and notifications Unified configuration Reboot schedule Captive portal authenticationAuthenticationWPA/WPA2 Personal and Enterprise Captive Portal Facebook login SMS authentication Voucher authenticationTP-Link Omada Cloud Controller OC200's hardware specifications

TP-Link Omada Mesh Setup: It can be a bit involved

Considering Omada mesh is a PoE system, the setup process has two parts: hardware and software.

Here's a typical diagram for a PoE access point setup: The AP (top) connects to a PoE injector (white) you can replace it with a PoE switch which connects to the router (black).

Hardware setup

This part is like that of any PoE device. Depending on where you want to mount the access points, it can be quick or time-consuming.

You first need to install the APs and run network cables from them to your router (or switch). If the router is not PoE-enabled most routers aren't , you'll need to connect the APs via injectors or a PoE switch.

Thanks to the included mounting accessories, you can quickly mount a TP-Link Omada AP with the help of a drill. In my experience with a dozen or so of these devices, the longest part is running the network cables.

As for the controller, you can place it next to a PoE switch or near a USB power source, such as a computer's USB port or a router's USB port.

That said, for a test with an EAP670 and EAP610, the hardware setup took me about 10 minutes -- but only because the area has been wired. Things will be different in your situation, but it's best to get you placed wired today.

Getting your home wired: How to get that done like a pro

The OC200 controller's interface has many useful settings and a new mesh function.

Software setup

This part is where you get the system up and running. You'll only need to deal with the controller, which will take care of all involved APs. This process requires slightly more work than setting up a standard router.

The reason is you first need to find out the controller's IP address via your router's interface. Now, open the IP using your browser, and you'll get to the controller's interface. Now, things are similar to setting up a home Wi-Fi router.

Alternatively, you can also set up the controller using the TP-Link Omada mobile app. This app allows you to sign up for an account with TP-Link. You can use the app to manage your mesh even when you're out and about.

The mobile app has a function that allows you to add a controller by using a phone's camera to scan its QR code. Interestingly, I got a "device that doesn't exist" response. I had to enter the serial number instead manually, which worked.

The app doesn't have in-depth access to the system as a web interface. That said, I'd recommend using the interface instead. Or you can also use the app to figure out the controller's IP address and then use the interface.

All Wi-Fi settings you’d need

During the setup process, the OC200 automatically detects connected supported APs in the network.

Adding them to a mesh and setting up the system's first SSID (for both bands via Smart Connect) is just a matter of a few clicks around the web interface. And then you can call it a day. Your mesh system is ready.

In most cases, you can move on if you only need Wi-Fi coverage. Or you can also spend the rest of the day customizing your network. Now there are a lot of things you can do.

A controller makes settings up multiple Omada access points a straightforward process.

First, you can set up each band with eight separate Wi-Fi networks (SSIDs), then customize each in great detail. For example, you can set it up as an isolated network, allowing connected clients to access the Internet but not local resources -- similar to a Guest network.

You can set each SSID's cap bandwidth (both upload and download). Better yet, as mentioned above, there's an option for a captive portal, forcing clients to agree on terms of service or check in via Facebook before getting access.

There are also customization options for the mesh functionality, such as , , and auto-failover for the APs. These allow clients to switch between hardware units and Wi-Fi bands quickly.

In terms of network monitoring, you can quickly figure out what's going on in your network in great detail. Looking at a client, you can find out to which AP it connects, using which band, for how long, how much data it has downloaded, and so on. And you can block any unwanted client via a click.

The Omada mobile app allows for managing the system when you're out and about. The app generally worked well in my brief trial, but it wasn't correct in reporting the number of connected clients, which could take a long time to update. I'd recommend the web user interface.

In all, with a controller, an Omada-based mesh system gives all you'd need (or want) in a robust business mesh system, including cloud management. The solution is comparable to Insight managed by Netgear, if not better, without any additional cost.

Other than the hardware cost, there are no additional costs with TP-Link Omada, no matter how you want to use the products.

TP-Link Omada Mesh: Excellent performance

Before this update, I used many Wi-Fi 5 Omada-based mesh systems for years, including a few outdoor units. None has ever had any issues.

For this test system running two Wi-Fi 6 APs, the EAP670, and EAP610, it's been over 10 days trouble-free. And I have no doubt it will last as well as the Wi-Fi 5 counterpart.

The mesh system's hand-off worked exceptionally well. The switch from one AP to another is so seamless and swift that I couldn't notice it -- with most mesh systems I've tested, this took a brief moment. I even tried unplugging one AP during a test. In this case, the connected client switched immediately to the other without a hitch.

Generally, it's not recommended that you mix Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 in the same mesh though that will work with Omand APs. I haven't tried that, however.

The performances of TP-Link Omada Access Points are among the best compared with their peers and formidable against top-tier Wi-Fi 6E mesh satellites with wired backhauling.

As for Wi-Fi speeds, I stacked the APs up against other access points and high-end Wi-Fi 6E mesh satellites (via wired backhauling), and the Omada APs held their own pretty well, as you can see on the chart.

The Wi-Fi coverage was also excellent. Two units placed some 120 feet (37m) apart could cover some 6000ft² (560m²) with reliable Wi-Fi signals. And during my extended testing, the systems (running Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 hardware) didn't have any disconnection.

Remember that the throughput speeds and Wi-Fi coverage change depending on your environment and hardware. Your mileage will vary.

Pros

Excellent Wi-Fi coverage, fast performance

Affordable; easy setup option; no additional cost for management

Lots of mesh features and settings

APs include mounting accessories, and PoE or power adapter

The system can be managed via a local web user interface, a useful optional mobile app

Cons

A controller is needed; the hardware controller can't work as a router, nor does it include a power adapter or PoE injector

Networking knowledge is required to set up and maintain

Conclusion

Among all the business access points I've tried, TP-Link's Omada family is among the best, thanks to its practical design, flexible hardware combos, ease of use, and affordability.

Again, you do need to run network cables which is a no-go in many cases -- all of these APs will work in a wireless configuration, but you'd need a network cable to power them via PoE anyway. And getting your place wired is the only sure way to build a Wi-Fi network of multiple broadcasters without compromising the performance.

If you live in a large home or have a big office, consider a few TP-Link Omada access points and a controller, and your Wi-Fi situation is a go. Here's the bonus: You can upgrade the APs in the future as Wi-Fi progresses and keep your current controller.

To put it in a sentence: If you're willing to put in some serious legwork, a TP-link Omada-based mesh will be a satisfying return on investment. Build one today!