Network Connected Devices Joseph Ngari| Program Manager

Easily connect and control your network devices

What are UPnP and PnP-X

About UPnP It enables a standards based discovery and communication solution for network connected devices.

UPnP in a nutshell Device must implement http Discovery (SSDP) Windows initiates multicast on port 1900 which contains special tag: M-SEARCH. Device responds via unicast with URL to a device description document (DDD) Host downloads the DDD from the URL The DDD has pointers to the Service Control Protocol Description (SCPD) , eventing and presentation URLs. These additional services are not needed for discovery. Learn More: http://www.upnp.org/

PnP-X Very easy. Its one xml tag in the DDD <pnpx:X_hardwareId>Microsoft/SampleDevice/10000/urn:microsoft-com:device:SampleDimmerDevice:1</pnpx:X_hardwareId> Enables an enhanced pairing experience with windows. Only have to provide a PnP-X hardware ID and the device type. This lives in the DDD we covered above. If you don’t use a PnP-X ID you will not be able to get connected.

Binding with the App

Device meta-data uses PnP-X ID This goes in your DDD <pnpx:X_hardwareId>Microsoft/SampleDevice/10000/urn:microsoft-com:device:SampleDimmerDevice:1</pnpx:X_hardwareId> You then add the ID to the meta-data as shown below. The prefix will be added by the device meta-data wizard.

Device Presence

Device Presence Device has a dev node once it is paired and regardless of whether the device is connected. Windows keeps track of presence. Device should send periodic “alive” messages. Device should send “byebye” before it disconnects otherwise the PC will think the device is still connected for up to 30 minutes.

Communicating with the device

Retrieving the device Device enumeration Once you get the IP address you can use any desired communication protocol. We recommend UPnP. No need to invent a new protocol. Enables anyone to talk to your device. Will not conflict with other operating systems

Using the device Get the Service Control Protocol Description (SCPD) Invoke actions Subscribe for events SOAP UPnP uses soap to communicate Additional Resources

Automatic Connection Network Connected Device Automatic Setup (NCD-AS) Requirements Must be on a private network and sharing must be enabled. Must have less than 30 number of devices on the network. This includes all devices and not just UPnP devices. Must fit into specific device categories General rule is that it is a shared device in the home Device category must be correct. This optional PnP-X tag describes the device category. <pnpx:X_deviceCategory>HomeAutomation</pnpx:X_deviceCategory>

Resources Windows Rally UPnP Dimmer Sample