Digital Home Networking

Chapter 4

Standards

4.1. Introduction

The main goal of this chapter is to describe the major standards used in the home, i.e. UPnP and Zigbee, and the main solutions that have been proposed by the different standardization forums to enable the Remote Access (RA) to homes.

Regarding Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), it seeks to create new products that are compatible using open standards and widely available industry specifications. DLNA does not define standard but defines how to use it, and then certifies products to guaranty to the end user the compatibility of the different devices used in his/her home.

As for the two major standards described in this chapter, they do not address the same use case, even if sometimes both are trying to manage the same kind of equipment. UPnP addresses content management, home gateway management, and telephony, when Zigbee focuses on the solution to offer home automation.

4.2. Standards used in the home

4.2.1. DLNA: Digital Living Network Alliance

Digital Living Network Alliance® began in 2003 when a collection of companies from around the world agreed that they all provide better products when those products are compatible. As of 2010, more than 245 companies comprise DLNA. They include consumer electronics, computer, and mobile device manufacturers. DLNA also includes many components and software developers.

Figure 4.1. DLNA logo

These ...