In today's world it is difficult to imagine our life without the use of high technology. So, probably, many have heard about such a concept as UPnP. What is UPnP and DLNA support, we’ll try to figure it out. In addition to this, some basic tips for setting up equipment will be given, since this is not always done completely automatically.
UPnP What is UPnP?
From the point of view of modern computer, mobile and media systems, UPnP is a universal connection of several devices when combining them into one system. This is the so-called Universal Plug & Play standard. In other words, this technology can be called universal connection of the device with its automatic initialization.
In fact, it is this approach that allows you to create a single home UPnP server based on your local area network connection. In this case, the information stored on one of the connected devices will be available on any other. Most often, computers, laptops, mobile devices, video or music players act as a source, and media content is played on a TV. But! In most cases, such devices should have support for the DLNA standard.
What is DLNA?
DLNA is a universal set of standards used when connecting media equipment. As a transmission medium, a regular home local area network is used based on the automatic assignment of IP addresses to connected devices.
In this case, the external user address does not change. IP is assigned exclusively within the same LAN. The main component that uses DLNA (UPnP-media server) is the router, which is responsible for automating the assignment of devices with the corresponding IP addresses. Most often, this is (A) a DSL modem or router, although gradually obsolete connections are found using cables (Ethernet).
Device Connection Options
To begin with, in this case, the main step is to create a connection between the router and the TV. Today, there are three main options:
- cable connection (Ethernet);
- connection using an internal or external Wi-Fi adapter;
- electrical connection without any use of cables at all.
However, here you need to clearly understand that the automatic integration of devices into a single whole thing will not do. You need to create a virtual UPnP DLNA server (if one already exists, say, in a TV like Smart TV, it's great at all). The corresponding software is responsible for this, which will be discussed a bit later.
Home Media Server Benefits
If we consider the list of key features using UPnP transceiver technologies (DLNA), they are quite diverse, although they are used only for working with media content.
So, for example, when creating a home media server, you can easily view photos and videos present on a computer or laptop, smartphone or tablet on a large TV screen. But this is not limited to this.
Few of the untrained users know that with the help of such technologies it is possible to arrange broadcasting of online television or watching videos on the same YouTube hosting not on a computer (if you have the appropriate software or a regular Internet browser), but on a television panel. And this, in turn, makes the created server a universal tool for viewing programs, clips or films, listening to music, etc.
UPnP Home Media Server (DLNA): Basic Initial Setup Tips
Now a few words about the main points regarding the setup of a home media server. It is not enough to understand UPnP technologies. What is UPnP, we already figured out a little. Let's see how such knowledge can be applied in practice.
First, you will initially need to enable the use of these protocols on the router and on the TV (or, if any, the cable or satellite TV box). On the router, as a rule, such settings are enabled by default, however, to be sure, go to the appropriate section and make sure that the UPnP parameter is in the Enable state.
But that is not all. In the "OS", if this service is not involved, it also needs to be activated. To do this, go to the “Programs and Features” section of the “Control Panel” (on older systems, the menu for installing and uninstalling programs), where you can view installed and enabled Windows components.
In network services, you need to enable the client discovery (management) service, as well as use the UPnP user interface . What is a PNP client in this case? A universal bridge that can automatically recognize any media device, even without installing the appropriate drivers. To make it clearer, in a local wireless network when you connect a smartphone or any other mobile gadget, they are simply not needed.
Used programs
At this stage, we’ll go directly to the software that allows you to create, use and manage your home media server. Today, such packages can be found quite a lot. But they can have completely different opportunities.
For example, if you install a server based on the Samsung All Share application, on the TV you can select only music, videos or photos stored in the shared folders of devices. There is no question of any broadcasting of TV programs from a computer.
It is much more convenient to install a more serious package like Plex Media Server, which has such an impressive list of features that few programs can compare with. In addition, the software itself is issued in Russian and distributed completely free of charge.
As for mobile systems, for example Android, for such devices it is appropriate to use a small applet called MediaHouse or Bubble UPnP. Both applications can be easily found in the Play Market service and installed on your device absolutely free. The advantage of such programs is that when installing the appropriate computer client, DLNA configuration is not required at all. It is enough that the smartphone, tablet and computer (laptop) are connected to the same private virtual network. After starting the application from the computer terminal, a list of all available devices is automatically displayed. For fidelity in the computer version, you can "expand" the necessary folders (create shared access). That's all.
Conclusion
It is hoped that this brief information will give many novice users an idea of UPnP / DLNA technologies. In general, even when setting up a home media server, special difficulties should also not arise, except that the inclusion of UPnP support on the router, TV and in the "OS" itself. But, as practice shows, on all modern devices and in the latest versions of Windows, all these services are enabled by default. The user only has to solve the problem of choosing the most appropriate software for his requirements.