ZyXEL Communications P-660R-11V3 User Manual

Page of 222
P-660R-T1 v3 User’s Guide
117
C
H A P T E R
 
 17 
Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP)
17.1  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. 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.
17.1.1  What You Can Do in the UPnP Screen
Use the UPnP screen (
) to enable UPnP on the ZyXEL Device and 
allow UPnP-enabled applications to automatically configure the ZyXEL Device.
17.1.2  What You Need to Know About UPnP
Identifying UPnP Devices
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. 
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 NAT chapter for more information on NAT.
Cautions with UPnP
The automated nature of NAT traversal applications in establishing their own services and 
opening firewall ports may present network security issues. Network information and 
configuration may also be obtained and modified by users in some network environments.