TP-Link Omada OC300 hardware controller, 2 × 1G LAN, USB 3.0

A hardware controller is a separate device that keeps network management on site. There is no need for software running permanently on one computer, and no worry about that computer restarting. Because devices are monitored and managed locally, control over the network stays with the company itself, and the manufacturer stresses security and stability in particular.

When a network has many devices, configuring them one by one takes hours. The OC300 lets you change settings for a whole group and update firmware remotely, so a new version reaches every device without a site visit. That saves the IT technician time and keeps the whole network consistently up to date.

Multi-site management means the networks of different offices, stores or buildings can be monitored and managed from the same controller. Each site stays separate, but the overview is in one place, and the administrator does not have to log in to a separate system for every location. Companies with several branch offices benefit most.

The dashboard shows network status, usage and traffic distribution in real time, so the source of a problem is found quickly. The controller has two gigabit RJ-45 ports and one USB 3.0 port. The OC300 does not support PoE, so it needs a separate power source where it is installed. The controller weighs 1.14 kg.

Businesses building their network from TP-Link Omada devices that want management in one place; IT technicians who look after several sites and need remote firmware updates; and organisations that prefer to keep network management on their own premises rather than behind an external cloud service. The more Omada devices and locations there are, the more time the controller saves.