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8. Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP)
8.1 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. An 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.
8.2 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.
8.3 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
Network Address Translation (NAT)
chapter for further information about
NAT.
8.4 Cautions with UPnP
The automated nature of NAT traversal applications in establishing their own services may
present network security issues. Network information and configuration may also be
obtained and modified by users in some network environments.
All UPnP-enabled devices may communicate freely with each other without additional
configuration. Disable UPnP if this is not your intention.
UPnP broadcasts are only allowed on the LAN.
See later sections for examples of installing UPnP in Windows XP and Windows Me as well
as an example of using UPnP in Windows.