Cloudi-Fi Cloud NAC vs TP-Link Omada SDN

Cloudi-Fi Cloud NAC runs network access control from the cloud for wired and Wi-Fi environments. Switches and access points remain enforcement points while the service handles 802.1X authentication and policy enforcement. It uses 802.1X, RADIUS, and EAP-TLS with one policy set across wired and wireless sites. Authentication can use EAP-TLS certificates, directory credentials, or MAC authentication bypass for endpoints without a supplicant. Policies support dynamic VLAN assignment, role-based access, and isolation or quarantine of unknown or unmanaged endpoints. Identity checks can use Microsoft Entra ID, LDAP, Active Directory, client certificates, or approved MAC addresses. Managed endpoints can receive certificates through an MDM such as Microsoft Intune. A cloud captive portal supports self-registration or sponsored access for visitors, contractors, and personal devices. Authentication results and session data remain available for audits across sites. Cloudi-Fi identifies multi-site organizations, IoT-heavy networks, SASE or Zero Trust programs, post-merger environments, and sites replacing end-of-life NAC appliances as intended use cases. Pricing is by request, with no displayed price.

TP-Link Omada SDN centralizes management of enterprise networks built from security gateways, switches and wireless access points. Administrators can configure supported Omada routers and network devices through one platform, with tools for network discovery, configuration management and backups. The hybrid deployment options include a software controller and cloud management. Omada Cloud Essentials provides free cloud management for unlimited devices, including network topology and VLAN management. Omada Cloud supports zero-touch provisioning for remote setup, and its monitoring features include network summaries and warnings about abnormal events.

The Omada app can connect to hardware, software and cloud controllers for local or remote administration. The Open API supports REST GET and POST requests, returns JSON and uses OAuth for authentication and authorization. The software controller is free for centralized management of up to 1,500 devices, with capacity dependent on PC or server hardware. Cloud Essentials is also lifetime free; Cloud Standard lists a device license fee but no price. Controller management applies only to certain TP-Link models, and the controller cannot discover or manage third-party devices.