Side by side
PacketFence vs TP-Link Omada SDN
Both stand on network provisioning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
PacketFence combines access enforcement, authentication, onboarding, and device compliance controls. Organizations considering self-hosting should account for the stated system requirements and plan device limits.
Visit PacketFence
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Choose Omada SDN to manage supported Omada network devices centrally, with free software-controller and Cloud Essentials options. Check model compatibility before adopting controller management, especially if the network includes third-party devices.
Visit TP-Link Omada SDNThe facts
| PacketFence | TP-Link Omada SDN | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Starter: $5,000 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 7 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | packetfence.com | tp-link.com |
| On network provisioning software | #1 of 24 | #4 of 24 |
PacketFence: what it does well
- Supports wired, wireless, and VPN access control.
- Guest workflows include self-registration and sponsored access.
- Can quarantine devices that fail security policy.
- Community Edition includes unlimited devices and full source code.
What to know first
- Self-hosted minimum is 16 GB RAM and 200 GB disk.
- Starter supports up to 250 registered devices.
- Paid plans start at $5,000 per year.
TP-Link Omada SDN: what it does well
- Centralizes management of supported gateways, switches, and access points.
- Software Controller supports up to 1,500 devices at no additional expense.
- Cloud Essentials offers lifetime free management for unlimited devices.
- Cloud management includes topology, VLAN management, monitoring, and event warnings.
- Open API supports REST GET and POST with OAuth.
What to know first
- Central management supports only certain TP-Link device models.
- The controller cannot discover or manage third-party devices.
- Cloud Standard charges a device license fee; no price is provided.
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