Patrick Domingues

This article serves as a tutorial for either upgrading or downgrading the firmware version of the TP-Link Omada SDN Controller.

Notice:

Prior to initiating a firmware upgrade or downgrade, it is crucial to back up your current configurations. It is strongly advised to maintain a backup file for each firmware version. Additionally, ensure that you are utilizing the most recent versions of either Chrome or Firefox browsers for the firmware modification process.

Upon downloading the firmware from the TP-Link website, employ decompression tools to extract the firmware file to a specific folder. If your operating system lacks a built-in tool for this purpose, third-party software such as WinZip or WinRAR can be utilized.

Avoid turning off the power or disconnecting the Ethernet cable during the firmware adjustment process.

While upgrading the firmware typically retains all controller settings, downgrading will erase them. This is due to the inclusion of new features in newer firmware versions that are absent in older ones. It is important to note that backup files from a newer firmware version cannot be restored to an older version.

If Upgrading from Controller v3.x:

It is strongly recommended to first upgrade from version 3.x to version 4.1.5, followed by an upgrade to the latest 5.x version. Please adhere to the Omada Controller Upgrade Guide provided in the installation package prior to upgrading.

Upgrading the Hardware Controller:

There are two methods available for firmware upgrade:

1. Local firmware upgrade
2. Cloud firmware upgrade

Preparation Steps:

1. Confirm the product model and hardware version of your Omada Controller to ensure usage of the correct firmware version. This information is typically found on the device’s label. Utilizing the incorrect firmware may result in device damage and potential warranty voidance.
2. Download the appropriate firmware based on the model number and hardware version, then extract the .bin file. This can be done through:
   • TP-LINK official website
   • TP-Link Business Community for official and early access releases

Local Firmware Upgrade:

• Navigate to Global View → System Settings, and select Manual Upgrade.
• Use the Browse button to locate the extracted .bin file, then click Upgrade.

Note: The Manual Upgrade option is only visible when logged into the Controller via a Local IP address.

Cloud Firmware Upgrade:

• Ensure Cloud Access is enabled: Navigate to Global View → System Settings → Cloud Access.
• Click the Upgrade icon to start the cloud firmware upgrade.

Note: The firmware upgrade process will take approximately 6 – 8 minutes, during which the controller will be offline.

Alternatively, the firmware can be upgraded via cloud by navigating to Global View → System Settings and selecting Check for upgrade.

Downgrading the Hardware Controller:

Firmware downgrades on the controller can only be performed locally and manually. This is because the Hardware Controller Section will not appear when logged in via the cloud website.

• Navigate to Global View → System Settings, and select Manual Upgrade.
• Use the Browse button to locate the extracted .bin file, then click Upgrade.

Upgrading the Software Controller:

• Navigate to Global View → System Settings, and select Check for Updates to upgrade the firmware locally or via cloud.
• You can also upgrade the Controller through Cloud Push, where the official release of the latest firmware will be pushed once available.

Downgrading the Software Controller:

1. Back up the current controller settings.
2. Completely uninstall the Software Controller and opt not to save user data.
3. Download the corresponding firmware from the TP-LINK official website, extract the .bin file, and complete the installation wizard.

Note: Downgrading involves a complete reset process. While it’s not possible to restore a backup file from a previous version after downgrading, maintaining a backup for each firmware version is still highly recommended. If you have a previous backup file, it can be restored directly to the current version. Otherwise, you will need to reconfigure the Controller.

I hope this article was helpful, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me. If you would like to be notified of when I create a new post you can subscribe to my blog alert.