A control apparatus comprises: a synchronization unit that transmits control information set in a communication node to another control apparatus that operates in synchronization with the control apparatus and synchronizes with the another control apparatus; and a control information creation unit that creates control information to be set in a communication node to be controlled. If the created control information is first control information set temporarily in accordance with a notification from the communication node to be controlled, the control apparatus sets the first control information in the communication node without waiting to synchronize with the another control apparatus. If control information to be set is second control information other than the first control information, the control apparatus sets the second control information in the communication node after synchronizing with the another control apparatus.