(Universal Plug aNd Play) A family of protocols from the UPnP Forum (www.upnp.org) for automatically configuring devices, discovering services and providing peer-to-peer data transfer over an IP network. Introduced in 1999, UPnP is not related to PnP (Plug and Play). It is related by concept: both provide zero configuration, which is automatic installation without manual configuration (see Plug and Play).
Comprised of more than 750 companies, the UPnP Forum covers many more application areas than the ones highlighted below, including lighting, heating and air conditioning, quality of service (QoS), security cameras and scanners.
UPnP Vs. Zeroconf
UPnP shares some features with Zeroconf, a widely used zero configuration technology implemented by Apple with its Bonjour software and by others. They both use link-local addressing for IP assignment and both provide service discovery, but each use different protocols (see Zeroconf). The functions that overlap are summarized below.
Automatic IP Address Assignment
If a device does not have an IP address and there is no DHCP server in the network, UPnP employs link-local addressing to create an IP address. See link-local address and DHCP.
Discovery and Data Transfer
Software such as Windows Media Connect uses UPnP to stream audio and video over the network. Several UPnP standards are employed including the Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) for finding devices and UPnP AV Architecture, MediaServer and MediaRenderer for streaming. See SSDP.
Port Forwarding (Port Mapping)
UPnP is used to open ports in a router to let a party from the outside world contact a user inside the network. For example, opening ports for VoIP and videoconferencing traffic makes two-way communications easier no matter which side initiates the call. See TCP/IP port.
Comprised of more than 750 companies, the UPnP Forum covers many more application areas than the ones highlighted below, including lighting, heating and air conditioning, quality of service (QoS), security cameras and scanners.
UPnP Vs. Zeroconf
UPnP shares some features with Zeroconf, a widely used zero configuration technology implemented by Apple with its Bonjour software and by others. They both use link-local addressing for IP assignment and both provide service discovery, but each use different protocols (see Zeroconf). The functions that overlap are summarized below.
Automatic IP Address Assignment
If a device does not have an IP address and there is no DHCP server in the network, UPnP employs link-local addressing to create an IP address. See link-local address and DHCP.
Discovery and Data Transfer
Software such as Windows Media Connect uses UPnP to stream audio and video over the network. Several UPnP standards are employed including the Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) for finding devices and UPnP AV Architecture, MediaServer and MediaRenderer for streaming. See SSDP.
Port Forwarding (Port Mapping)
UPnP is used to open ports in a router to let a party from the outside world contact a user inside the network. For example, opening ports for VoIP and videoconferencing traffic makes two-way communications easier no matter which side initiates the call. See TCP/IP port.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
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- ShareTool 1.3.3 (Mac)
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- EyeConnect 1.6.4 (Mac)
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- Software downloads 2009-11-08
- Playback 1.2 (Mac)
- Playback allows you to share your media with any Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or other UPnP compatible device. It automatically integrates with iTunes, iPhoto, Aperture, Adobe Lightroom 2, Photobooth, and more. You can share all content from these applications or choose specific playlists and albums. Playback can also share media...
- Software downloads 2009-11-03
- Lighthouse 1.2.7 (Mac)
- Lighthouse is a dynamic port forwarding utility, allowing you to enable and disable port forwardings with just a single click. Both NAT/PMP Apple Airport base stations and UPnP (D-Link, Linksys, Netgear) protocols are supported. Port forwardings are frequently necessary for tools such as instant messengers, file-sharing utilities and other...
- Software downloads 2009-10-24
- 10 Windows XP services you should never disable
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- Blog posts 2009-08-24
- TwonkyMedia 5.0.68 (Mac)
- TwonkyMedia requires fewer resources and is faster than other UPnP media servers, but still provides more features that help the user to enjoy large media collections. If you care about usability, TwonkyMedia is the right choice for you. Easy to setup Support for major media formats Convenient navigation on large...
- Software downloads 2009-08-14
- D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router DIR-685
- First announced at CES 2009, D-Link's Xtreme N Storage "all-in-one" Router DIR-685 is the first wireless router that can also work as a network storage device and as a digital photo frame. However, we wish it were a $150 cheaper stand-alone router, as its $300 asking price is too high....
- Product reviews 2009-07-17
- DVBLink for IPTV 1.0 (Windows)
- DVBLink for IPTV seamlessly integrates TV and radio channels from your ISP or picture from your IP-enabled web/security cameras into MediaCenter, including support for MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 HD video, multichannel audio, EPG information, teletext and subtitles. DVBLink enables all native TV control features of MediaCenter for these channels such as...
- Software downloads 2009-06-15
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- DVBLink for Dreambox combines excellent tuner hardware and power of open source development with ease-of-use and richness of Windows MediaCenter user interface. This product seamlessly integrates TV and radio channels, available in Dreambox, into MediaCenter, including support for Cable, DVB-S and DVB-S2, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 HD video, multichannel audio, EPG...
- Software downloads 2009-06-15
- DVBLink for DVBViewer 1.0 (Windows)
- DVBLink for DVBViewer combines excellent hardware support, versatility and reliability of DVBViewer with ease-of-use and richness of Windows MediaCenter user interface. This product seamlessly integrates TV and radio channels, available in DVBViewer, into MediaCenter, including support for Cable, DVB-S and DVB-S2, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 HD video, multichannel audio, EPG information,...
- Software downloads 2009-06-15
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- Iomega: EMC's entry to be at the center of your homeCisco Doesn't know storage..."Cisco Doesn't know storage". Got that right! I've a Linksys WRT610N and added an external USB drive to try and get its UPNP to work with my Direct TV box. Don't know who...
- Discussion threads 2009-06-10
- Port Forwarding Wizard 3.5 (Windows)
- Using Port Forwarding Wizard, it will let you Infinitely port forwarding until the destination IP address is achieved. At the same time, it can turn non-SSL aware software into safely software by SSL tunnel technology. You can completely use this tool without learning. As the best port forwarding software, Port...
- Software downloads 2009-06-04
- LaCie introduces 500GB, 1TB wireless HD media players
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- Blog posts 2009-06-03
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- Software downloads 2009-06-01
- OXX Digital Tube
- Photo gallery:OXX Digital TubeWi-Fi radios come in many shapes and sizes, but the Oxx Digital Tube is in a class of its own with its jumbo, hollow-bodied design. The Tube's unique look accommodates its built-in subwoofer, and yes, we found that the radio delivers much more bass than is common...
- Product reviews 2009-05-20
- RemoteTap 3.3 (Mobile)
- RemoteTap is the Mac Style remote desktop management solution for Mac's. Watch the screen, listen to audio, control keyboard and mouse of any Mac in your local network. If your router supports UPnP (or, you setup port forwarding manually), RemoteTap works over 3G/EDGE and Internet as well. OpenGL screen image...
- Software downloads 2009-05-19
- LaCie debuts 10TB 5big Network NAS RAID; updated 2big Network device
- LaCie announced yesterday updates to its ill-named but award-winning 2big Network and 5big Network in the form of improved performance, features, backup support, and expansion. As in 10 terabytes. The 5big Network pictured above, which normally touts a Gigabit Ethernet connection, five hot-swappable...
- Blog posts 2009-05-12
- LaCie reveals 1.5TB d2, 4TB Big Disk NAS for home office
- Storage company LaCie has announced the availability of two new high-capacity Network Attached Storage NAS devices, the "Big Disk Network" and "d2 Network," that the company says deliver high-performance and professional-class reliability, and are intended for the home or small office. Both NAS devices can be used...
- Blog posts 2009-05-06
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