Omada Central Start Guide

About this Guide

This guide provides information for centrally managing Omada networking and surveillance products via the Omada Central platform. Please read this guide carefully before operation.

Intended Readers

This guide is intended for network managers familiar with IT concepts and network terminologies.

Conventions

When using this guide, notice that:

• Features available in the Omada Central may vary due to your region, system type and version, and device model. All images, steps, and descriptions in this guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual experience.
• The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made in the preparation of this document to ensure accuracy of the contents, but all statements, information, and recommendations in this document do not constitute the warranty of any kind, express or implied. Users must take full responsibility for their application of any products.
• This guide uses the specific formats to highlight special messages. The following table lists the notice icons that are used throughout this guide.

In this guide, the following conventions are used:

Chapter 1: Omada Central Overview

This chapter introduces the Omada Central platform to help you understand the platform before getting started to use it.

1.1 Overview

Omada Central is TP-Link's centralized software-defined platform for unified control over Omada network devices (gateways, switches, access points, and more) and surveillance devices (security cameras, NVRs, and more). It is ideal for scalable deployments across multiple verticals, including hospitality, education, restaurants, MDUs, and enterprise campuses.

Omada Central N&S Integration Cloud Management Solution

A diagram illustrates the Omada Central N&S Integration Cloud Management Solution, showing the Omada Central System (Centralized Cloud Management System) connecting to Omada Network Service and Omada Guard Service. These services then manage Omada Networking Devices (Gateway, Switch, Access Point) and Surveillance Devices (VIGI IPC, VIGI NVR, Omada IPC, Omada NVR).

1.2 Classification

Tailored to different needs and budgets, Omada Central provides the Essentials and Standard versions.

• Omada Central Essentials: Designed for SMB surveillance and networks requiring essential features without complexity and extra costs. It is perfect for small and medium businesses seeking a unified system for networking and surveillance.
• Omada Central Standard: Ideal for medium and large multi-site networks in hotels, schools, retail, MDUs, and medium to large offices. Licenses are required to manage network and surveillance devices via Omada Central Standard.

1.3 Structure

Omada Central consists of the Omada Network system and Omada Guard system. Omada Network works as an Omada Controller to manage network devices, and Omada Guard works as a VMS system to manage surveillance devices.

1.4 Key Functions

Omada Central acts as a cloud-based controller, accessible via the Omada App and Omada Cloud portal. Key functions include:

• Site Map
• IPC/NVR/Networking Device Recognition
• Easy-to-Use Networking for CCTV, Including Extend Mode and Cable Test
• Remote Camera Reboot
• Cross-Site Live View, Playback, and Downloads
• AI-Powered Video Monitoring, Including People Counting and AI Search Based on People/Vehicle Attributes

Chapter 2: Get Started with Omada Central

This chapter guides you on how to get started with Omada Central.

2.1 Create an Organization

Omada Central offers the Essentials version for easy and free management of essential features, and the Standard version for basic and advanced features through subscription-based licensing. View the compatible device list at Omada Central Essentials and Omada Central Standard.

Configuration:

1. Log in to the Omada Cloud Portal at https://omada.tplinkcloud.com using your TP-Link ID and password.
2. On the Cloud-Based Systems page, click Add Organization.
3. Choose an organization type (Essentials or Standard) and click Next.
4. Configure organization settings, including Organization Name, Country/Region, Time Zone, and select applications (Omada Network, Omada Guard). You can also choose to attach alarm images and join the User Experience Improvement Program.
5. Accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, then click Done.

2.2 Create Sites

Different sites are logically separated network locations. It's best practice to create one site for each LAN and add all devices within that network to the site. Devices at one site need unified configurations.

Configuration:

1. Launch an Omada Central organization.
2. Click the '+' icon in the top right of the screen and click Add Site.
3. Configure site settings: Site Name, Application Scenario, Country/Region, Time Zone, Network Time Protocol, and Daylight Saving Time. You can also configure Device Account and Switch Type.
4. Click Apply. The new site will be added to the site list.

Copy an existing site: You can create a new site based on an existing one by copying its configuration.

2.3 Add Devices

Before you can configure and manage devices, you need to add them to a site. This process connects your devices to Omada Central for centralized management.

Add Network Devices:

1. Launch an Omada Central organization.
2. Click the '+' icon in the top right of the screen and click Add Device.
3. Select the Network Device type and choose the site to add the devices to.
4. Choose a method to add your devices: Manually Add (by serial number or device key), Auto Find, or Import.
5. If using Omada Central Standard, you need to bind licenses to devices.

Add Surveillance Devices:

1. Launch an Omada Central organization.
2. Click the '+' icon in the top right of the screen and click Add Device.
3. Select the Surveillance Device type and choose the site to add the devices to.
4. Choose a method to add your devices: Manually Add (by SN codes or device IDs) or Import.
5. If using Omada Central Standard, you need to bind licenses to devices.

2.4 Bind Licenses (for Omada Central Standard)

If you are using Omada Central Standard, each device must be bound with an activated license. Two license types are available: Standard Network and Standard Camera.

Configuration:

1. Purchase licenses from TP-Link sales or channel partners.
2. Log in to the Omada Cloud Portal at https://omada.tplinkcloud.com.
3. Assign licenses to your organization by clicking the Account icon and then Licenses.
4. On the Omada Central Standard Licenses page, click Assign to Organization, select the organization, specify the license type and quantity, and click Confirm.
5. Bind licenses to your devices using Method 1: Automatic binding (enable Auto-Active and Auto-Rollover) or Method 2: Manual binding (go to Devices page, locate an unactivated device, and click Settings to choose a license).

2.5 Add Roles and Users

2.5.1 Overview

Omada Central offers multi-user privilege assignment to cater to management needs, enabling flexible permission assignment. You can add multiple users and assign different privileges.

Default Roles:

• Omada Central Plane: Owner, Super Admin, Admin, Viewer.
• Omada Network: Owner, Super Admin, Admin, Viewer.
• Omada Guard: Owner, Super Admin, Admin, Operator, Viewer, Live Only User.

2.5.2 Add Roles

If default roles do not meet your requirements, you can add custom roles.

1. Launch an Omada Central organization.
2. Go to Accounts > Roles and click Add New Role.
3. Specify the role type and role name, then customize permissions.
4. Click Create.

2.5.3 Add Users

To add users to your organization:

1. Launch an Omada Central organization.
2. Click the '+' icon and click Add User, or go to Accounts > User and click Add New User.
3. Enter the TP-Link ID of the user, set their role (Omada Central Plane, Omada Network, Omada Guard), and assign site privileges (All sites or Specific sites).
4. Enable Alert Emails if needed.
5. Click Invite. An invitation email will be sent to the user.

Chapter 3: Use Omada Central

This chapter guides you on how to manage Omada Central organizations.

3.1 Navigate the UI

Familiarize yourself with the management interface after creating an organization.

3.1.1 Organization List

Manage the organization list or switch organizations by clicking the Organization drop-down list in the top left of the screen. Click Manage Organization to access the list.

Shortcut icons in the top right provide quick access to common functions:

• Refresh Page: Click the icon to refresh the page.
• Theme Settings: Click the icon to change theme settings (light, dark, or system).
• My Account: Click the icon to view account information, change settings, manage licenses, orders, audit logs, or log out.
• More: Click to view Omada Central information or access tutorials.

Cloud-Based Systems: Lists Omada Central organizations of the current account.

In the organization list, you can view the organization status. In the ACTION column, you can:

• Click the Omada Central Plane icon to enter the organization's platform.
• Click the Network icon to manage network devices.
• Click the Guard icon to manage surveillance devices.
• Click the More icon to copy, edit, or delete the organization.

On-Premises Systems: Lists on-premises controllers with Cloud Access enabled.

Account Manager: Centrally manage user accounts across multiple Local Omada Controllers, enforce consistent permissions, and streamline onboarding.

3.1.2 Organization View

On the Cloud-Based Systems page, click the Omada Central icon of an organization entry to launch it.

The left-hand navigation bar provides access to various management planes:

• Dashboard: Displays sites and their status.
• Devices: Displays devices and their general information.
• Licenses: Displays assigned licenses and their information.
• Logs: Displays system events and device logs for troubleshooting.
• Audit Logs: Records account access and operations.
• Accounts: Manages user accounts and privileges.
• Settings: Configures organization-level settings.

Omada Network: Manages network devices (gateways, switches, access points) in global and site views.

In global view, the left-hand navigation bar provides access to:

• Global/Site View drop-down list: Access Global View or a specific site.
• Dashboard: Displays sites and their status.
• Site Template: Configures site templates for batch management.
• Devices: Displays devices and their information.
• Logs: Displays system events and device logs.
• Firmware: Updates firmware of network devices.
• Audit Logs: Records account access and operations.

In site view, the left-hand navigation bar provides access to:

• Global/Site View drop-down list: Access Global View or a specific site.
• Home: Displays device topology and provides Quick Config operations.
• Dashboard: Provides a summarized view of network status with customizable visualizations.
• Statistics: Shows statistics of network devices and clients.
• Devices: Displays devices in the site and their general information.
• Clients: Lists wired and wireless clients, IPCs, and NVRs.
• Insights: Displays statistics of network devices, clients, and services.
• Logs: Displays system events and device logs.
• Audit Logs: Records account access and operations.
• Reports: Provides charts and statistics of network situation, devices, and clients.
• Map: Generates system topology and allows uploading location images.
• Network Tools: Provides tools for testing connectivity, capturing packets, and executing commands.
• IntelliRecover: Monitors PoE devices and repairs abnormal devices.
• Settings: Provisions and configures network devices.
• Hotspot: Monitors and manages clients authorized by portal authentication.

Omada Guard: Manages surveillance devices (cameras, NVRs) and allows watching live views.

In global view, the left-hand navigation bar provides access to:

• Dashboard: Displays sites in the organization and their status.
• Videos: Allows checking Live View and Playback.
• Events: Monitors activities detected by cameras and alerts for security threats.
• Devices: Manages devices like cameras and NVRs.
• Rules: Sets general rules for managing devices and event processing.
• Application: Provides Al Search, People Counting, Device Map, and Design Tool.
• Admin: Displays administrative information and allows configuring system settings.

3.2 Reference Guides

For instructions about Omada Central Essentials, refer to the Omada Central Essentials User Guide.

For instructions about Omada Network, refer to the Omada Controller User Guide.

For instructions about Omada Guard, refer to the Omada Guard User Guide.

For instructions about Omada licenses, refer to the Omada License Configuration Guide.

More Resources

• Main Site: https://www.omadanetworks.com/
• Video Center: https://support.omadanetworks.com/video/
• Documents: https://support.omadanetworks.com/document/
• Product Support: https://support.omadanetworks.com/product/
• Technical Support: https://support.omadanetworks.com/contact-support/

For technical support, the latest software, and management app, visit https://support.omadanetworks.com/.