This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to install the TP-Link Omada Controller software on a Synology NAS using Docker. It walks through the process of installing Docker, downloading the official Omada Controller Docker image, and configuring the necessary folder mappings to persist data outside the Docker container.
If you use TP-Link Omada devices, you might know that the Omada Device works well with the Omada Controller. However, the issue with TP-Link is that you need to have a separate controller device installed at your home to centrally manage all the devices within the network. Many other network devices, like Grandstream, offer free cloud-based controllers to manage the home network.
TP-Link also offers cloud access, but it requires physical hardware installed locally within your home network to achieve that. Recently, TP-Link introduced a fully cloud-based controller, but the license requires purchase and is expensive. So, most users stick to the physical hardware, which is a bit less expensive than a complete cloud controller. However, it is still not 100% free.
Omada Controller For Synology NAS
The TP-Link Omada setup includes various steps, and there are multiple ways to install the Omada Software Controller on a NAS, like the Synology NAS. However, installing it from the official Docker repository is the best and easiest way. Go to the Docker app on your Synology, search for Omada, and then install the official Docker image.
Steps to Install TP-Link Omada Software Controller on Synology NAS
Before proceeding, make sure to install Docker on your NAS. You can install Docker from the Package Center. Once installed, proceed to install the Omada Controller on your device. Download the correct Omada Controller Synology image file from Docker Hub during the process. You can install both the latest and older versions of the image. For more information, refer to the official repository page.
Step 1: Open the docker app from the control panel of your Synology NAS.
Step 2: From the Docker dashboard, click on the Registry option on the left side.
Step 3: Now, on the search window, type “Omada” and you will see the Omada Controller Image for Docker named “mbentley/omada-controller”
Step 4: Double-click on it, and the image will be downloaded to your Synology NAS.
Step 5: Once the download is completed, click on the Image option from the Docker dashboard. You will see the downloaded Omada Docker image there.
Step 6: Now, double-click on the mbentley/omada-controller image to start the installation process. Keep all the default settings.
Step 7: Once the installation steps are completed, you can see the Omada Software controller running from the Docker container section.
Now that the Omada Software Controller is installed on your Synology NAS, you can proceed with the setup and configuration process. Use the IP address of your Synology NAS. For example, if the IP address of your Synology NAS is 192.168.0.210, you can access the Omada Controller using the corresponding port, which is 8088.
Step 8: Open your system browser and type your NAS IP address with the Omada Controller port. Since the IP address of your NAS is 192.168.0.210, you can type http://192.168.0.210:8088 and press Enter to proceed with Omada login and setup.
Step 9: Once you see the setup page, click the “Let’s Get Started” button and proceed with the initial setup. Finally, you will see the Omada Synology app running, allowing you to start using the Omada Controller on your Synology NAS like the Omada Hardware Controller.
Note: The IP address used here, 192.168.0.210, is an example. You need to replace it with the actual IP address of your network-attached storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Omada controller can’t find my access points during setup?
Don’t worry if your controller doesn’t detect your access points right away. Simply skip that step and proceed. Once you’ve created an admin account and logged in, go to the dashboard. If your access points still aren’t visible, try refreshing the page a few times. They should appear soon, allowing you to set them up from there.
My access points keep disconnecting after I restart my NAS. What can I do?
If you’re using a laptop to run the controller, try connecting it directly to your router or switch with an Ethernet cable instead of using Wi-Fi. This can help maintain more reliable connections for your access points, especially after restarting your NAS.
How can I protect my Omada controller settings in case something happens to my NAS?
It’s advisable to regularly back up your controller to safeguard your settings in case of NAS issues. This way, you won’t lose all your configurations and have to start from scratch. Refer to your NAS manual or online resources for straightforward backup instructions.
How to Get a Free Omada Controller?
Obtaining a free Omada controller is technically possible, but it may not be practical for everyone. To acquire a free Omada controller, you need to run the software on a local device such as a PC, laptop, Docker, or NAS. However, running a local machine continuously to access the software controller for making changes or monitoring device status may not be feasible. Docker images for Omada controllers are available for local installation without dedicated hardware.
What is Omada Controller?
Omada Controller is TP-Link’s centralized cloud controller that manages multiple Omada devices concurrently. It enables binding of all Omada devices within a home network to a single controller for unified management via a dashboard, eliminating the need to log into each device separately. Options include a hardware controller and a software controller, with a fully cloud-based controller now also available.
Why Install Omada Controller on NAS?
As previously mentioned, the Omada Controller is an optional system separate from the hardware controller, which must be purchased separately at around $100. Alternatively, you can utilize the Omada software controller installed on a local machine like a Windows PC or laptop, though this approach has its drawbacks, as noted above. Installing and running the Omada Software Controller on a NAS running Docker allows continuous operation without purchasing dedicated hardware.
Is Using an Omada Software Controller Better Than a Physical Hardware Controller?
No, the software controller is suitable if you cannot acquire a physical controller and have a Synology NAS with Docker capability. However, for optimal performance and ease of use, the physical Omada hardware controller is recommended. The software controller may consume significant memory and result in slower performance for your Synology NAS, particularly if it’s multitasking. Therefore, the hardware controller is generally preferable over the software option.
Conclusion
If you already have a network-attached storage device at home, installing and managing Omada devices via the Omada Docker container is straightforward. However, for those who do not maintain a NAS or server running 24/7, the physical Omada hardware controller remains the superior choice for reliability and functionality.
