DLNA-certified devices search and discover each other on the network using a sister-protocol called UPnP which we shall talk about later. Devices must be connected to each other via one of the following networking standards Ethernet, 802.11 (including Wi-Fi Direct), MoCA, HD-PLC, HomePlug-AV, HPNA and Bluetooth. It’s almost similar to DHCP, the protocol that enables your laptop to automatically obtain an IP address and connect to a network.

How DLNA worksĭLNA is a very simple protocol. But who wants to have a messy living room cluttered with cables? And what if you want to stream your multimedia to not just your TV but to your smartphone, tablet, and several other devices located in different places in your home? This is precisely where DLNA shines.ĭLNA has evolved from version 1.0 released in 2004 to the latest which is 4.0 announced in June 2016 that solves the “media format not supported” problem between PCs, TVs and mobile devices while supporting Ultra HD TV content streaming. You could connect an external hard drive with your multimedia directly to your TV via USB port and play your movies or you hook up your laptop to the tv via HDMI cable and it’ll work just fine. DLNA is short for Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and it’s a technology standard that defines ways in which networked devices such as smart tvs, computers, Roku, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PlayStation gaming consoles connect and share multimedia content with each other.

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