Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Overview
The Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) feature for Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET provides an architectural framework for creating self-configuring, self-describing devices and services. Networks managed by UPnP require no configuration by users or network administrators because UPnP supports automatic discovery. UPnP enables a device to dynamically join a network, obtain an IP address, and convey its capabilities on request.
Control points can use the UPnP application programming interface (API) to learn about the presence and capabilities of devices that are registered on the network. A device can leave a network automatically when the device is no longer in use. Windows CE supports UPnP device-hosting services and UPnP control points. A Windows CE–based device can assume one or a combination of the following roles:
- It can function as a dedicated controlled UPnP device that is connected to the network in a home or business network scenario.
- It can assume the role of a control point that discovers and controls the available UPnP devices on the network.
- It can be used as a UPnP bridge that functions as a proxy for non-UPnP devices.
Windows CE .NET also includes the UPnP Tools feature that helps you create UPnP solutions. This feature contains a command line tool for both headless and UI-based devices, as well as a Generic UPnP Control Point. The generic UPnP Control Point is a tool for use only with UI-based devices.
Feature Summary
The following table shows operating system design information for UPnP.
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Dependencies for Control Point API, Device Host API, and Device Host API (minimal subset) | Web Server (HTTPD), XML Minimal Parser, Core Server Support |
| Dependencies for UPnP Tools | Web Server (HTTPD), XML Minimal Parser, Core Server Support, Control Point API, Device Host API |
| Hardware considerations | None |
Modules and Components
The following table shows the components and modules that implement UPnP.
| Item | Module | Component |
|---|---|---|
| UPnP service. This module is used by all UPnP configurations. | upnpsvc | None |
| UPnP API. This module is used by all UPnP configurations. | upnpcapi | None |
| UPnP control point API | upnpctrl | None |
| UPnP device host | upnphost | None |
| UPnP device loader | upnploader | None |
| UPnP device registration command-line tool | upnpreg | None |
| Generic UPnP control point sample | genericucp | None |
Operating System Development Topics
Universal Plug and Play Implementation Considerations
Application Development Topics
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
See Also
Windows CE Modules and Components | Catalog Features
Last updated on Friday, April 09, 2004
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