ZyXEL Communications Wireless Gateway Series User Manual

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ZyAIR Wireless Gateway Series User’s Guide 
UPnP Screens 
 
14-1 
Chapter 14 
UPnP Screen 
This chapter introduces the Universal Plug and Play feature. 
14.1   Universal Plug and Play 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. 
14.1.1 How Do I Know If I'm Using UPnP? 
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.  
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 traversal and UPnP.  
See the SUA/NAT chapter for further information about NAT.