What's the "Upnp device"?

Answer 1

A UPnP device is a device able to be controlled by the UPnP protocols which work on any logical TCP/IP network. As far as these protocols are concerned, the device simply responds to UPnP "control points" which are provided in software or hardware and work as a front-end for the device.. The basic function in UPnP is for devices and control points to discover each over over the logical IP network and make themselves and their capabilities known to each other.

So far, UPnP has worked as standards for managing broadband routers in the context of "punching through" ports for sophisticated Internet applications like games, instant-messaging programs and BitTorrent clients. It also has worked as a standard for media clients like digital media adaptors to discover content on media servers such as software like Windows Media Connect that you run on your computer or hardware devices like some network-attached storage units or the Philips Streamium WACS-700 Wireless Media Center.

With regards,

Simon Mackay

Answer 2

"UPnP is an architecture for pervasive peer-to-peer network connectivity of intelligent appliances, wireless devices, and PCs of all form factors. It is designed to bring easy-to-use, flexible, standards-based connectivity to ad-hoc or unmanaged networks whether in the home, in a small business, public spaces, or attached to the Internet. UPnP is a distributed, open networking architecture that leverages TCP/IP and the Web technologies to enable seamless proximity networking in addition to control and data transfer among networked devices in the home, office, and public spaces."

-see source for more information

Answer 3

What it is also, is a HUGE Security Risk...You should Disable this as soon as possible...I never use Universal Plug and Pray...(that they don't use port 5000 to hack into your computer)

The FBI has Strongly Recommended that
All Users Immediately Disable Windows'
Universal Plug n' Play Support

Our 22 kbyte "UnPlug n' Pray" utility makes that very
easy to do . . . and if ever needed, to later undo:

Now compatible with ALL Versions of Windows!

http://www.grc.com/UnPnP/UnPnP.htm