UPnP - what is it? How to connect and configure UPnP

Probably, many users of computers, laptops and mobile gadgets would like to see your favorite movies, photos, TV shows, say, on a large screen of a television panel or, conversely, synchronize the Internet broadcast of the same TV, radio with a mobile device, and listen to music On a good speaker system. To do this, we need a so-called UPnP media server. What this is and how to set it up, we now consider. There is nothing complicated.

UPnP - what is it?

In general, UPnP is an abbreviation of the term Universal Plug & Play. In other words, it is a kind of virtual system that connects the connections of intelligent devices located in the same network to each other on the basis of TCP / IP, UDP, HTTP, etc.

Understanding the topic "UPnP: what is this?", In simple language, you can describe this as creating the ability to transmit and receive data by all devices that support this standard. As a simple example, you can, for example, view photos on the same TV instead of a smartphone. As you can see, simply synchronize the devices with each other to make mutual access to the data.

Windows Pre-settings

Before you begin to consider how to configure and enable the home media server UPnP, you need to make some preliminary settings in the "operating system" itself.

In Windows, depending on the version, this is done in several different ways, but the general principle is the same.

So, you need to activate the UPnP server (Windows 7). How do I enable it? There is nothing easier. You just need to go to the Programs and Features section (in previous versions of Windows, the Add / Remove Programs menu) found in the standard Control Panel, and then select the settings for installing the Windows components. Here you select the network services item, which is checked, and the item on the right is used. When you enter this menu, you must enable the activation of the client for detection and management, and note the UPnP user interface . Further, changes are simply saved, which take effect without rebooting. This applies equally to XP, Vista, 8 or 10 systems.

Here you should pay attention that in some cases, you may need a Windows installation disk.

How to enable UPnP on a router

But that's not all. If the network connection between devices is intended to be performed using a wireless connection using a router (router), you will have to check UPnP settings on it.

Although, as a rule, almost all the most common router models are shipped with the UPnP service already included, it is nevertheless better to check the settings after all. For most models, the router menu is entered by entering 192.168.1.1 in any Internet browser. Depending on the model, the menus may differ in the names or locations of the individual controls. But in any case, you need to find the option "Enable UPnP" or make it available (in the English version - the Enable UPnP Protocol menu or Enable UPnP Settings).

Enabling UPnP in Skype

Now consider an example of a popular program for communication using Skype's IP telephony. Here, too, UPnP technology is used. What is this with respect to the application itself? This is the same port forwarding system for establishing communication with another device. It is much more pleasant to communicate with friends, seeing their image, for example, on the big screen of the television panel.

The inclusion of UPnP is very simple. Here you need to go to the main settings of the program and select additional parameters, then use the "Connection" menu. It has a special UPnP inclusion field, opposite which you need to check the box, and then save the changes.

The simplest utility for creating a home media server

Actually, here we come to the main issue of setting up and enabling the UPnP-server. To begin with, as is already clear, you need to determine the program (UPnP-client). As the simplest, not requiring manual configuration utility can be advised Samsung PC Share Manager.

In this program, almost all settings are automated, the definition of devices and connection method does not require user participation, but the only thing that is required is the indication of shared folders with the multimedia files stored in them. By default, the application selects its own settings, but the preferred directories can be deleted or set instead of their own.

It is important to check whether the same general access is open to them. This is done from the properties menu, which is called by right clicking on the directory. Well, after the startup, the UPnP server will automatically turn on and synchronize all devices currently present on the home network. Sometimes it may be necessary to add the program to the firewall exception list.

The only drawback of the application, perhaps, can be called only the inability to watch online TV or listen to the radio. You can only play content stored in shared folders.

Using the "Home Media Server"

Another thing is the use of a more serious Home Media Server application (Russian development). Here, however, in the settings will have to dig.

Although automatic detection is enabled, in some cases you will have to add devices manually. For example, the program clearly identifies the desired computer terminal on which it is installed, as well as the router responsible for the connection. If you want to send a signal to, say, an IPTV set-top box with a subsequent broadcast to a TV panel, you'll have to enter the IP or MAC address of the device yourself.

Next - the question of transcoding. In most cases, the mode "Movies (main)" is selected, but if a special utility Ace Stream (one of the Ace Player components) is installed in the system, it is better to use it.

With the common folders here, too, everything is simple, but on the issue of broadcasting again have to strain their brains. So, for example, to watch torrent television, you will need to register on a certain resource, then download the so-called podcasts from it, which you need to add to the list, and then update. Only after that it will be possible to watch TV programs.

Incidentally, it should be noted that on the set-top box, you must manually enable the UPnP server. Most often, LAN mode is used to activate it. Maybe the other, it all depends only on the modification of the console itself.

In general, there are a lot of settings in the program. With the basic you can understand without problems. But if you want to use any additional parameters, you will have to spend a certain amount of time. But then the user gets at his disposal a powerful tool for synchronizing devices of any type. Incidentally, we note that for mobile devices it may be necessary to install special applications and activate UPnP. Without this, there can be no talk of any synchronization.

Yes, and pay attention to one more thing. Unlike the previous utility, the server is turned on only in manual mode using a special start button or, if necessary, a restart.

Instead of an afterword

Here we are in brief and considered the topic "UPnP: what is it?". Here are the most common situations and rules for setting up and working with a home media server. Of course, you can use any other utilities, however, the initial configuration and inclusion principles for virtually all UPnP clients are the same. If you study at least a couple of simple programs, it will not work out with the rest of the work.