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QT030 - Exploring UPnP features

Introduction

This Quick Tip is an introduction to some of the new features that become available when using the UPnP-capable FVS318 ProSafe VPN router in conjunction with Windows XP.

Detail

Universal Plug and Play support in routers such as the FVS318 is mainly used in support of applications such as Windows Messenger, which have complex, dynamic port mapping requirements beyond those provided in conventional NAT routers.  Enabling UPnP on the router also adds some facilities on attached PC's.

The FVS318 needs to be running 1.10 firmware or later to provide support for UPnP.  Pre-release version J1.20 is currently the recommended version.  Refer to Quick Tip 024 for the latest firmware version information.

UPnP support needs to be enabled on the LAN IP Settings page in the router's Advanced menu.  Refer to Quick Tip 022 for more details.

This Quick Tip discusses UPnP operation with Windows XP.  Some UPnP features are available with earlier versions of Windows, these are not covered here.

When the default gateway for your LAN is a UPnP-capable router, an addition connection icon called Internet Connection is displayed under  Network Connections.

 

 

Right-click the mouse and select Properties.

 

 

The Properties page will then be displayed.

 

 

If you check Show icon in notification area, a network connection icon for the router will be displayed in the Systray.  This provides a shortcut to the device, rather than going through the Control Panel.

 

 

Click on Settings and the UPnP settings page will be displayed.

 

 

The example settings page shows 2 pairs of port mappings which have been automatically created for Windows Messenger running on 2 different PC's behind the FVS318.

It is also possible to add static port mappings on this screen, by clicking the Add button.  The example shows adding a port to allow an IMAP mail server to run behind the FVS318.

 

 

Double-clicking on the Systray icon, or right-clicking on the Network Connections menu item and selecting Status, will bring up the Internet Connection Status page.

 

 

This page displays some information about the state of the internet connection, including the uptime of the router, the speed of the internet connection as seen by the router, and byte counts of traffic sent to/from the PC and between the router and the internet.

Security Considerations

Enabling UPnP functions on your network may increase some security exposures, and these risks should be considered before enabling UPnP.

• UPnP weaknesses have been identified in some Microsoft operating systems.  Ensure that you have applied the latest service packs and patches.

• Non-privileged users may be able to control some router functions, including adding and removing port mappings.

• UPnP dynamically adds port mappings on behalf of some UPnP-aware applications.  These mappings may not be removed if the application terminates abnormally.

Feedback

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QT023 - Exploring UPnP Features

Version 1.1, 19-NOV-2002

Copyright © 2002 Fulton Network Technologies Pty Ltd.  All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or distributed in any form without prior permission.

All information contain herein is provided to the reader on the understanding that the reader is responsible for ensuring the correctness and suitability of the information for his particular needs.

VERSION HISTORY

1.0   18-AUG-2002   Initial Release

1.1   19-NOV-2002   Updated firmware versions