Question
What is Universal Plug and Play?
Answer
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology is a key element in the foundation of the Microsoft vision of home networking, in which appliances, PCs and the services they provide are "peers" on a network and communicate via a digital information exchange. This communication allows PCs and intelligent devices and appliances on a network to identify each other and perform requested tasks. UPnP is the underlying technology that enables this simple networking. The Universal Plug and Play Forum is a group of companies from the computer, networking, home automation, consumer electronics, and home appliance industries working together to build this capability into their products.

Question
How does Universal Plug and Play work?
Answer
Universal Plug and Play enables devices within a home or office to communicate and share resources simply and automatically. UPnP uses Internet protocols to seamlessly connect PCs, intelligent appliances, and devices over a network. For example, you wake at 6 a.m. to a view of the mountains and a current ski report: snow is falling and the powder is piling up. You send an alert via your alarm clock to your children's alarm clocks and the coffeepot. The coffee starts brewing, you hear the patter of steps upstairs as the kids get out of bed, and soon you're all off to an early start to the mountains for a day of skiing.

Question
What benefits will Universal Plug and Play offer?
Answer
UPnP will offer convenience, fun, and more mileage out the devices and appliances in the home, office, and everywhere in between. It will offer the ability to automate many tasks previously accomplished manually. For example, imagine that your furnace is slightly overheating; it sends a message to terminals in your home and at your office alerting you and asking if a repairperson should be contacted. You simply respond, "Yes," and your UPnP home network contacts the service company and arranges the repair while coordinating with your online calendar.

Question
How is Microsoft working with other companies to bring UPnP products into consumers' homes?
Answer
Microsoft is working with a broad range of companies in the Universal Plug and Play Forum to promote UPnP standards and to drive the development of UPnP devices across multiple industries. Companies from the PC, consumer electronic, home automation system, and home appliance industries are represented in the Universal Plug and Play Forum.




UNIVERSAL PLUG AND PLAY - FAQ