What is the Difference Between DLNA and UPnP in Digital Home?

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) are two different standards related to digital media streaming in a home network. The main difference between them lies in their scope:

• DLNA: This standard covers a broader scope, as it includes media formats, management systems, and content protection systems. DLNA uses UPnP for interconnectivity, allowing DLNA-certified devices such as TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets to find each other and communicate. All DLNA-capable devices are also UPnP-capable since DLNA is derived from UPnP for the purpose of media interoperability.
• UPnP: This set of protocols allows different devices connected to a network to easily discover and use the services offered by other devices. UPnP is supported by more devices and is generally more mature than DLNA.

In summary, DLNA is a specification derived from UPnP, specifically for media interoperability. While UPnP enables device discovery and communication, DLNA focuses on media streaming and interoperability among devices.

Comparative Table: DLNA vs UPnP in Digital Home

The main difference between DLNA and UPnP lies in their scope. While UPnP is a set of protocols that allow devices to discover each other and share services on a network, DLNA is derived from UPnP and specifically focuses on media interoperability. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between UPnP and DLNA:

All DLNA-capable devices are also UPnP-capable, as DLNA is derived from UPnP and uses UPnP for interconnectivity.