UPnP: What is it? Home media server UPnP DLNA

In the modern world it is difficult to imagine our life without the use of high technologies. So, probably, many heard about such a concept as UPnP. What is UPnP and DLNA support, we'll try to figure it out. Plus, there will be a few basic tips on how to set up the hardware, because 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 the existing connection over the local network. In this case, the information stored on one of the connected devices will be available on any other. Most often in the role of the source are computers, laptops, mobile devices, video or music players, and media content is played on the TV. But! In most cases, such devices should have DLNA support.

What is DLNA?

DLNA is a universal set of standards used when connecting equipment for transferring media data. As a data transfer medium, a normal home LAN is used based on the automatic assignment of IP addresses to connected devices.

However, the external user address does not change. IP- is assigned exclusively within one local network. As the main component that uses the DLNA (UPnP-media server), a router acts, which is responsible for automating the assignment of the appropriate IP addresses to devices. Most often this is (A) a DSL modem or router, although there are still gradually aging connections using cables (Ethernet).

Connection options for devices

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:

• Connection using cables (Ethernet);
• Connection using an internal or external Wi-Fi-adapter;
• Connection via an electrical network without any use of cables at all.

However, it is necessary to clearly understand that the automatic combination of devices into a single whole will not do. It is necessary to create a virtual UPnP DLNA server (if one already exists, say, on a TV like Smart TV - in general it's great). The corresponding software is responsible for this, as will be discussed a little later.

Advantages of home media server

If we consider the list of basic capabilities using UPnP (DLNA) transceiving technologies, they are quite diverse, although they are used only for working with media content.

For example, when creating a home media server, you can easily view photos and videos that are present on your computer or laptop, smartphone or tablet, on a large TV screen. But that's not all.

Few of the unprepared users know that with the help of such technologies it is possible to arrange and broadcast online TV or view the videos on the same YouTube host not on the computer (with the appropriate software or a usual Internet browser), but on the TV panel. And this, in turn, makes the server created a universal tool for viewing programs, clips or movies, listening to music, etc.

Home Media Server UPnP (DLNA): Basic Tips for Initial Configuration

Now a few words about the main points about setting up a home media server. Here, one can not do without understanding UPnP technologies. What is UPnP, we have 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 you have one, a cable or satellite TV set-top box). On the router, as a rule, such settings are enabled by default, but for complete certainty, go to the appropriate section and verify that the UPnP parameter is Enable.

But that is not all. In the "operating system", if this service is not involved, it also needs to be activated. To do this, go to the Programs and Features section (in the old systems - the Add / Remove Programs menu) in the Control Panel, where you can view installed and used Windows components.

In network services, you need to connect the client's discovery (management) service, and also 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, on a local wireless network, when you connect a smartphone or any other mobile gadget, they are simply not needed.

Used programs

At this stage, let's move 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 possibilities.

For example, if you install a server based on the Samsung All Share application, only music, video or photos stored in the device sharing folders can be selected on the TV. There is no question of broadcasting TV programs from a computer here.

It is 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 it. In addition, the software itself is issued in Russian and is 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 you install the appropriate computer client, you do not need to configure DLNA here. It is enough that a smartphone, tablet and computer (laptop) are connected to one private virtual network. After starting the application from the computer terminal, a list of all available devices will automatically appear. For fidelity in the computer version, you can "expand" the necessary folders (create a public access). That's all.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this brief information for many novice users will give an idea of UPnP / DLNA technologies. In general, even when setting up a home media server, there should not be any special difficulties, except for the inclusion of UPnP support on the router, TV and in the "operating system" itself. But, as practice shows, on all modern devices and in the latest versions of Windows all these services are involved by default. The user only has to solve the problem of choosing the most appropriate software for his requirements.