ISO/IEC standard on UPnP device architecture makes networking simple and easy

ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recently published as an International Standard the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) Device Architecture and device control protocols. UPnP allows for seamless connectivity in the home between a vast variety of devices, computers and operating systems over any Internet Protocol (IP)-based network.

ISO/IEC 29341 was developed by members of the UPnP Forum over the last eight years and then submitted to ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology, for transposition as an ISO/IEC standard by subcommittee SC 25, Interconnection of information technology equipment. The UPnP Forum is composed of members across many industries who promote the adoption of uniform technical device interconnectivity standards and testing and certifying of these devices.

“With the adoption of ISO/IEC 29341, UPnP has become the first standard for IP-based home networking in the industry to become a worldwide recognized international standard,” said Dr. Alan Messer, chair of the UPnP Forum’s Steering Committee.

Toby Nixon, Vice-Chair of the UPnP Forum’s Steering Committee, added: “Adoption of the UPnP Forum’s specifications as ISO/IEC 29341 provides validation of the ISO/IEC JTC1 Publicly Available Specification (PAS) transposition process that enables ISO/IEC JTC1 to work with industry, taking widely adopted industry specifications and align with those as the basis for international standardization.“

The UPnP Forum is an industry initiative designed to provide simple and robust connectivity among consumer electronics, intelligent appliances and mobile devices from many different vendors. The Forum consists of more than 868 members, including industry leaders in computing, printing and networking; consumer electronics; home appliances, automation, control and security; and mobile products.

The goal of the Forum in preparing this series of standards was to enable the broadest possible adoption of UPnP technology, not only for industry professionals but also for consumers and end-users. UPnP technology, supporting zero-configuration and automatic discovery, specifically targets home networks, LAN environments and networks in small businesses and commercial buildings.

ISO/IEC 29341 is broken down in 73 parts that address the various aspects of the technology. Part 1 describes the UPnP Device Architecture and defines the protocols for communication between controllers, or control points, and devices, while Part 2 deals with basic device control protocol, providing a mechanism for products that wish to use UPnP but for which there is not yet an appropriate standard base device type.

The remaining 71 parts cover several device categories: Internet gateways/routers, audio-video media devices, printers, scanners, climate control, lighting and wireless LAN access points and digital security cameras, as well as advanced features such as security, remote user interface and quality of service.

Alan Messer concluded: “The UPnP Forum’s specifications have become ‘the’ standard for worldwide device interoperability in IP-based home networks. The adoption of UPnP specifications as ISO/IEC 29341 validates that position and enables the UPnP’s specifications to be adopted more widely in the international community.”

ISO/IEC 29341, Information technology – UPnP Device Architecture, is available from ISO national member institutes (see the complete list with contact details). It may also be obtained directly from ISO Central Secretariat, through the ISO Store or by contacting the Marketing & Communication department (see right-hand column).