TP-Link EAP - First Time Setup

In this video, I go over how to set up a TP-Link EAP for the first time. There are several options when it comes to managing these APs, and I’ll try to at least mention each one. Most configurations will revolve around the Omada controller software, but it is not a requirement.
My intention was to show all three methods of setting up this device (Standalone mode, mobile app, and Controller software). However, I ran into some issues with recording the mobile section so that will be its own video.
I also apologize if the video is a bit jarring. I recorded the “unboxing” and standalone setup roughly two months prior to the rest of the video.
As always, below are the timestamps. If you are not interested in setting up the AP in standalone mode, you can skip ahead to the actual controller installation and configuration.

[@JasonsLabVideos]

Good video, we are starting to test some of their gear at work, been playing with the ER7206 router..

[@Mr.C0ffee]

Can you use the access point by itself? Or do you need to get the to link switches and modem?

[@marvinheemeyer3336]

Hi how force this to work without plugin ethernet? I need WiFi but without any plugin ethernet.

[@familytamelo8140]

I was nearly pulling my hair over this "Layer-3 Accessibility" checkbox. Obviously, I didn't know it existed and though I messed up my VLANs. After triple-checking it I thought I was going crazy. Then I googled up that option. Questionable choice of defaults imo..

[@omamitzi804]

Thanks for the great video. Do you know the acual power consumption of the device?

[@ToastyAnswers]

I'll have to check my notes... I know I measured it when I first did my testing but I don't remember off the top of my head. I'm pretty sure the maximum consumption is 13 watts though (it has to be low enough to be powered via PoE).

[@GHagar2024]

What does one need (as in hardware) to get started with Omada? My starting point is a Fibe modem from Bell. Excuse my ignorance and thank you for responding.

[@ToastyAnswers]

It depends on how much "Omada" you are wanting (Full network, or just wireless). There really isn't a "minimum" amount of hardware needed as all you could require is just a PC and an Omada device. Each Omada device can really be run independent of any other, so one device doesn't necessarily relay on another to function. If your fiber modem is also a router, then you don't necessarily need to replace it unless you want to (I'm not sure if your fiber modem is an all-in-one or just a strict ONT. That would make a difference). I'll list some requirements below going in order of "Required" to "Optional". 1. PC (Obviously...): To configure your devices and/or run the controller software. 2. Wireless AP: You can connect this to any existing network to use for wireless. You can either configure individually (without a controller) or install the controller software on a machine within your network for management. 3. Omada Switch: If you already have a working network, you can add a switch to expand your wired network. This is really just needed if you need more physical ports than your current router provides. 4. Omada Router: This would complete the "Omada" network package and is needed if you don't already have a router/firewall. However, it is not necessary for existing network setups unless you are just wanting the full suite of equipment. 5. Omada Hardware Controller: Completely optional, but this device is just a standalone controller. You wouldn't have to worry about installing the software on a PC and letting it run 24/7 in order to get the full benefit. All the software is just housed on this single device.

[@revog7]

so will this work if you put the same name as verizon routers and it will act as an additional mesh of the verizon network ?

[@ToastyAnswers]

Yes, and No. If you set the same name as your Verizon routers, then you will be able to half-seamlessly connect between the two networks. In theory, your client device will see which access-point is more optimal and automatically connect to it as long as the SSID and password are the same. In practice, this can get a bit dicey as different manufacturers can't communicate with one another to implement proper "roaming". You typically see clients stick to a sub-optimal AP in this situation even though the theory says it should work just fine. As far as "Meshing" goes... it is not a true "mesh". We're getting into language definitions at this point, but if you think "meshing" means a device can connect to any AP with the same name, then the answer is yes. However, "meshing" is a term where access points connect via a wireless back-haul system. This will never happen between incompatible devices (different brands) such as a Verizon router and any other access point.

[@jboy1757]

So I have spectrum modem, and a Poe switch. All I have to do now is connect the AP to Poe switch, and download software controller?

[@JamesAutoDude]

I think you need a router instead of a switch lol. Did it work?

[@flowntn1989]

No Mac controller. Tried installing in a windows VM in Parallels, but have not been able to get it to work. I think it is a Java issue but can’t get that sorted either. Wonder if any one else has managed it?

[@ToastyAnswers]

This isn't something I've tried yet, but I know I've had quite a lot of issues in the past with controllers and OSX (with the new MX chips).

[@JamesAutoDude]

I think they have Mac software now but you do have to scroll down on the download page

[@rajanlama735]

How to setup tplink AX1800 as mesh please can you make one more video.

[@ToastyAnswers]

This is in the works as I just set up this in my house. Stay tuned.

[@tauntonlad]

Also what are the speeds like with that access point

[@ToastyAnswers]

Speeds are actually very good, but I don't have a ton of experience with Wifi 6 access points outside of these. I consistently get my full 500Mbps speed over wireless with these though. Haven't tested them any higher.

[@tauntonlad]

@@ToastyAnswers awesome thank you

[@callmeritter]

Hi do i should have omada hardware or we can use just omada controler software ?

[@ToastyAnswers]

You can just use the controller software if you don't have a hardware controller. You can even setup the devices standalone if you don't have either one.

[@callmeritter]

@@ToastyAnswers this apps need specific requerment or we can run on any tp link EAP ?

[@AsherR.Borleo]

SMART TV can't access to internet when connected to EAP

[@tauntonlad]

When will you add the mobile set up Toasty ?

[@ToastyAnswers]

Great question. I still have quite a few videos planned for the TP-Link series, but I'm terrible at finding time to actually make them. I should be pushing them out here soon.

[@tauntonlad]

@ToastyAnswers brilliant thank you, I'm looking at getting this so a how to with a mobile would be excellent.

[@tom-qz8px]

can you setup eap610 standalone without a controller are ap

[@ToastyAnswers]

Yes

[@karlomapoy178]

Please make a video tutorial for layer 3 adoption using SDN thankyou

[@ToastyAnswers]

Noted!

[@nexderm5606]

how do you set up wifi password access? i don't see it on the interface!

[@ToastyAnswers]

Depends on what you mean by password access. Setting a password can be done within the wireless menu via the WPA/Personal configuration. If you mean something like a guest portal with password, this will require an always-on controller and is something I can look into creating a video on later.

[@Reroutmd5]

Will this work with any router and without the controller?

[@ToastyAnswers]

Yes, you can use it with any router and these APs have the option for standalone configuration. You lose out on the more advanced features, but it is still perfectly usable without a controller.

[@JamesAutoDude]

You can also install the controller on a computer and save the money if you want the controller functions. But the computer has to be on 24/7

[@GibbyTTV]

Do you need a Omada controller to use this AP?

[@ToastyAnswers]

No

[@akay_sa7]

Does it use a sim card?

[@ToastyAnswers]

No

[@bradsmith2217]

Terrible support and warranty. Worked for 3 months will not warranty

[@ToastyAnswers]

Yeah... I can't speak to the customer service aspect unfortunately (or fortunately... however you take that).