I think I found the answers to one of my questions here https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/2904/

I will probably have to downgrade my new EAP to old firmware in order to get it on the v3.x.x controller. Bummer. On the plus side, standalone mode seems like it might have all the features I want in an AP. If this single EAP has the same range as the UAC it's replacing, I'll probalby just run it in standalone mode.

I still would like to know if v3 controller and EAP v3 compatible firmware will continue to get updates (at least security patches).

Hi @DePingus,

You can configure EAP's in stand-alone mode using their web-based interfaces, and to a more limited extent using the iOS or Android Omada App.

Omada Server software, or the SDN software, or the OC-200 are only required for wireless MESH configuration (if you plan to have any EAP's that aren't Ethernet connected) and for FAST Roaming.  Regular roaming (same SSID, same encryption, same password) works just fine without the controller and is still quite fast.

When I first got my EAP's I used their individual web interfaces to configure.  Then I moved to Omada server, and then the OC-200.  I really liked the combination of Omada on the OC-200.

I recently (and month or two ago) moved to the SDN software on OC-200.  It took me a little while to get used to it -- rather more cluttered with features and capabilities I don't need / use than Omada was.

But aside from the changed layout, there's really nothing "wrong" with the SDN software per see that would want to make me go back to Omada.  While I still prefer the older Omada layout and interface this is mainly because it was very familiar to me -- not because it was really "better."

I'm looking forward to adding a managed switch and perhaps a gateway in the future to get more real-time data and remote monitoring capabilities for my home network.

Regardless, once things are up and running, I don't really go into the server software (previous Omada, now SDN) very often.  I mostly connect to it from the iOS app which is largely unchanged to make sure everything is up and running (when my kids or wife complain -- NOTE, it's almost never my home Wifi's fault) and to check for EAP firmware updates.

What specifically don't you like about the SDN interface?  (aside from the fact that it's a hot mess of cluttered information).  Also note that this is public release one of the SDN, I know Fae, Jonas, R1D2, and others are working hard to make a number of improvements,  I'm hopeful there will be a update in the next few months.

-Jonathan