ZyXEL Communications Intelligent Broadband Sharing Gateway P-324 - Manual (Page 177)

Prestige 324 Intelligent Broadband Sharing Gateway
UPnP 14-1
Chapter 14
UPnP
This chapter introduces the UPnP feature.
14.1 Introducing Universal Plug and Play
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 or My Network Places 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 Transversal and UPnP.
See the Network Address Translation (NAT) chapter for further information about NAT.