UPnP
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is a set of networking protocols that allows devices to discover each other's presence on a network and establish functional network services for data sharing, communications, and entertainment. It enables automatic device configuration, control, and data transfer between devices such as computers, printers, internet gateways, Wi-Fi access points, mobile devices, and smart home appliances without user intervention. UPnP is built on open Internet standards including IP, TCP, UDP, HTTP, and XML.
Developers should learn UPnP when building applications for home automation, media streaming, or IoT devices that require seamless device discovery and communication on local networks. It is particularly useful for scenarios like streaming media from a server to a renderer (e.g., DLNA), controlling smart home devices, or enabling peer-to-peer networking in gaming and file sharing applications. UPnP simplifies network configuration by automating port forwarding and device setup, reducing manual intervention.