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What is the difference between DLNA and UPNP?

Fresh5 days ago
Mar 15, 2026106045 views
Confidence Score1%
1%

Problem

Can someone tell me the what is the difference between DLNA and UPNP? I can see that some device (such as NASes) specifications mention both (e.g., Iomega StorCenter) or only DLNA (e.g., Netgear Stora). Are these synonyms for the same thing or are there actually two different protocols? Are they compatible, e.g., if a media server uses DLNA and the streaming device uses UPNP, will it work?

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Fix for: What is the difference between DLNA and UPNP?

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UPnP and DLNA are two different standards. DLNA is derived from UPnP, as an attempt to normalize media interoperability. It does this partly by being more restrictive than UPnP (e.g. by restricting the number of media formats) and partly by adding features (like DRM, i.e. copy protection). DLNA guidelines can be thought of as an umbrella standard that defines how the home network interoperates at all levels. From the DLNA whitepaper (pdf). The UPnP A/V spec provided a strong and flexible means …

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