ZyXEL Communications ZYAIR, User Manual

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ZyAIR Wireless Gateway Series User’s Guide
UPnP Screens 14-1
Chapter 14
UPnP Screen
This chapter introduces the Universal Plug and Play feature.
14.1 Universal Plug and Play Overview
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a distributed, open networking standard that uses TCP/IP for simple
peer-to-peer network connectivity between devices. A UPnP device can dynamically join a network, obtain
an IP address, convey its capabilities and learn about other devices on the network. In turn, a device can
leave a network smoothly and automatically when it is no longer in use.
14.1.1 How Do I Know If I'm Using UPnP?
UPnP hardware is identified as an icon in the Network Connections folder (Windows XP). Each UPnP
compatible device installed on your network will appear as a separate icon. Selecting the icon of a UPnP
device will allow you to access the information and properties of that device.
14.1.2 NAT Traversal
UPnP NAT traversal automates the process of allowing an application to operate through NAT. UPnP
network devices can automatically configure network addressing, announce their presence in the network to
other UPnP devices and enable exchange of simple product and service descriptions. NAT traversal allows
the following:
Dynamic port mapping
Learning public IP addresses
Assigning lease times to mappings
Windows Messenger is an example of an application that supports NAT traversal and UPnP.
See the SUA/NAT chapter for further information about NAT.