UPnP, which stands for Universal Plug and Play, is a set of network protocols that allows devices on a network to discover each other and establish communication and data services.

In the context of MikroTik devices, which are popular routers and switches used in both homes and businesses, UPnP has several practical applications, including:

1. Ease network configuration: UPnP can help simplify network setup by allowing devices to discover and communicate with each other without the need for manual intervention. This is particularly useful in home or small office environments where users may not have advanced networking knowledge.
2. Dynamic port management: UPnP allows devices, such as video game consoles, DVRs, IP cameras, etc., to automatically configure the router ports necessary for their communications to the outside (Internet). This is known as “NAT Traversal” and is essential for applications that require inbound access from the Internet, facilitating tasks such as online gaming, video streaming, and remote access without the need to manually configure port forwarding rules.
3. Support for VoIP and streaming applications: Applications that use real-time communications, such as voice over IP (VoIP) or video streaming, can benefit from UPnP to dynamically open the ports necessary to establish high-quality connections without significant interruptions or delays.

Despite its advantages, UPnP on MikroTik (as on any other device) should be used with caution. Enabling UPnP can present security risks as it allows devices to modify router settings without authentication, potentially exposing the network to unauthorized access from the Internet.

Therefore, it is important to consider your network environment and specific needs before enabling UPnP, and in more sensitive or critical environments, it may be preferable to handle network configurations manually or use alternative methods for port management and connection. network settings.