what is the UPnP network device?

[Sonikku]

I have my computer hooked up to a road runner connection atm but while web browsing seems fine, when I try to patch stuff like star trek online I hit a brick wall, even after turning off my firewalls and antivirus. One thing I noticed in the log was that the downloader could not find a UPnP network device. Is this something I have to enable and if so where to I go to do it?

 

[Mark R]

UPnP is a network protocol that is used by home routers/firewalls, media streamers, etc. which allows them to be autoconfigured and autodetected by home PCs. This avoids the need for users to open ports, or disable firewalls, etc.

So, if you run a game and have a UPnP firewall, the game can send a UPnP message to the firewall, requesting that it open specific ports for the game.

Most modern routers are UPnP compatible - some older ones (4-5 years +) aren't.

The only time where firewalls are a problem, and where UPnP helps, is for non-server type online games. Downloading, server-based online gaming, etc. are rarely interfered with by firewalls/routers.

 

[JackMDS]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Plug_and_Play