Is UPnP necessary?

[seacoug 2]

Thanks to the developers who have created such great software with a beautiful UI.

 

I do have a question though that I haven't been able to find the answer to.

 

I am using Windows 7, HD Home Run, WMC Server and Media Browser to stream to Rokus.  It works great except for some hardware changes I need to make now. 

 

I have read that UPnP is a gaping security hole and it has been recommended that it be disabled.  Is this going to work without it?  My early experience is no.

 

Any answers and advice would be appreciated.

 

Cheers

 

Seacoug

[Danee 57]

Upnp is used to configure your router so if forwards a port on your external address to your internal server so you can connect to your server over the internet. When software you trust does an action you trust it is no problem, other software like maleare can (and probably will) take the same actions, so yes, disabling upnp is a smart move, not just in the software but everywhere. You will however need to manually set up port forwarding if needed.

[1mancan 0]

If I disable uPNP on the only router that is connected to the internet, does that imply that all upnp is now disabled if all machines are behind the router?

[Deihmos 154]

If you disable upnp you will always have to forward ports. There is a security hole in every software but doesn't not mean it will ever affect you. I have always had upnp enabled on my router forever but I'm not too paranoid about security. I wouldn't want to manually forward every single port needed by software.

Edited August 22, 2014 by Deihmos