Building Reliable Networks for Logistics to Keep Operations Moving

In logistics, your network is more than a back office tool. It is the lifeline of daily operations. Every scan at a dock, every real-time shipment update, every camera feed and every inventory transaction depends on strong and stable connectivity. When the network fails, productivity slows, delays spread across the supply chain and customer expectations may be missed.

To keep operations running smoothly, logistics businesses need networking infrastructures that are secure, scalable and easy to manage. This applies whether supporting a single warehouse or coordinating across multiple global sites. Building such a foundation is essential to reducing downtime, improving visibility and meeting the fast-paced demands of modern supply chains.

To address the growing complexity of logistics networks, businesses are turning to solutions that make management simpler, faster and more reliable. Centralized control has become especially valuable as operations expand across multiple facilities and demand greater visibility. To meet these needs, TP-Link offers the Omada SDN, enabling businesses to streamline management and improve efficiency across every location.

Centralized management for consistent operations

Omada is a software-defined networking (SDN) platform that centralizes the management of access points, switches and routers. IT teams can configure, monitor and optimize the entire network from one interface, whether hosted on-premises or in the cloud.

For logistics companies managing multiple warehouses, cross-docks or distribution centers, this centralized control allows:

• Standardized configurations across locations
• Faster deployments without on-site IT presence
• Simplified monitoring with real-time network visibility

The Omada Cloud-Based Controller enables zero-touch provisioning, allowing devices to be shipped directly to remote facilities and set up by local staff. IT teams can then complete the configuration remotely. Additional features, such as auto channel selection and power adjustmen,t help reduce interference in environments with high device density, such as busy warehouse aisles.

Wireless networking for challenging environments

Logistics environments are often large, open spaces with high ceilings, metal shelving and mixed temperature zones. These conditions can challenge traditional WiFi solutions. Omada offers a range of indoor, outdoor and ruggedized access points to address these challenges.

• IP67 weather-resistant design for durability in harsh conditions
• Long-range coverage for loading docks, yards and exterior areas
• OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology for efficient performance with multiple devices

Case Study: Unifreeze, Poland

Unifreeze, a cold storage facility in Poland, deployed 14 EAP610-Outdoor access points in its −18 °C, 86,100 ft² freezer warehouse. The solution delivered consistent wireless coverage without additional insulation or frequent maintenance, proving its reliability in extreme environments.

For facilities looking to prepare for future demands, Wi-Fi 7 technology offers significant improvements in capacity and speed. Products such as Omada’s Wi-Fi 7 access points support 320 MHz channels, the 6 GHz band and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), ideal for warehouses planning to integrate more devices, IoT sensors and real-time applications.

Power and connectivity through PoE

In a warehouse or distribution center, Power over Ethernet (PoE) greatly simplifies deployment by delivering both power and data through a single cable. This eliminates the need for separate power outlets for devices such as access points, IP cameras and VoIP phones.

• 48 Gigabit ports plus 4× 10G SFP+ uplinks
• 8× PoE++ ports (up to 90 W each) and 40× PoE+ ports for a total 750 W PoE budget
• Advanced features such as VLAN, ACL, QoS and Static Routing
• ERPS for rapid protection and recovery in ring topologies

Omada switches can support a large number of powered devices while maintaining strong performance for latency-sensitive traffic, such as live video feeds or voice systems.

Routing and security for uptime and data protection

Network downtime in logistics can have serious operational impacts, from delayed shipments to security risks. **Routers** with multi-WAN capability, combined with enterprise-grade security, ensures high availability and protection.

• 2× 2.5G WAN/LAN ports and 10× Gigabit WAN/LAN ports
• Load balancing across up to 11 WAN connections for continuous uptime
• USB 3.0 for LTE backup
• Supports SSL, IPSec, GRE, WireGuard, PPTP, L2TP and OpenVPN
• Security features, including DoS/DDoS protection, DPI, IPS/IDS and content filtering

This combination of redundancy and security is well-suited for distribution hubs, where uninterrupted connectivity is essential for real-time operations.

Cloud management for multi-site logistics

The Omada Cloud-Based Controller allows logistics companies to manage networks across multiple facilities without deploying on-site controllers. Key benefits include:

• Unlimited device management for access points, switches and routers
• Remote monitoring and configuration via the web or Omada app
• Real-time network status and traffic insights through a user-friendly dashboard

For businesses with global operations or remote sites, this approach reduces travel costs and deployment time, while maintaining consistent standards across locations.

How Omada supports business growth

As logistics operations expand, the need for reliable, secure and centrally managed networks becomes critical. Omada provides:

• Scalability – Supports networks from single facilities to global multi-site deployments.
• Reliability – Delivers consistent performance in high-demand and challenging environments.
• Security – Protects business data with advanced encryption, firewalls and intrusion prevention.
• Efficiency – Reduces deployment time and ongoing maintenance costs with cloud-based management.

In logistics, a dependable network is a competitive advantage. Omada’s integrated approach—combining access points, switches, routers and cloud management—ensures that connectivity supports rather than hinders your operations.

Whether you manage a single warehouse or a network of distribution centers, Omada provides the performance, security and scalability needed to keep goods moving efficiently.

Upgrade to Omada today and strengthen the foundation of your logistics operations with a network you can trust. Visit https://www.tp-link.com/ca/business-networking/ or email us at sales.ca@tp-link.com to learn more.