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UPnP - Universal Plug and Play

By Bradley Mitchell, About.com

Definition: UPnP is a technology framework for simplifying the connection of network devices. The UPnP Forum is an industry body coordinating activities related to UPnP standardization and adoption.

UPnP is based on Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). UPnP does not require any particular type of network connection; it works with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other physical media. UPnP also is designed to work across many different types of network devices and operating systems.

Many home network routers offer UPnP support. UPnP is not related to the older "Plug and Play" industry initatives for connecting periperhal devices to PCs.

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