UPnP on or off?

[HermanTheGerman]

I'm not a technical guy and mostly too lazy to read manuals and stuff, so just ine quick question:

A friend told me to enable UPnP in my router for better data throughput.
On the other hand I hear one should switch UPnP off for security reasons.

Now I'm sitting here wondering what to do. On or Off?

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I don't really see how enabling it would help with throughput. Unless you require it to be on for certain apps to work just leave it off.

 

[HavocXphere]

Off unless you need it - security risk.

 

[HermanTheGerman]

So Off it is. Thx guys

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

There is currently a security flaw on some older routers, you can check here to if your router has this flaw: http://upnp-check.rapid7.com/

But again if you don't need it may as well leave it off.

 

[Rickster]

Actually, it should be on.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Actually, it should be on.

You going to give a reason?

 

[SauRoNZA]

It should be on if you want any modern stand-alone device like an Xbox, PS3, Wii or even some media players to world properly without manually opening and forwarding ports.

Although it technically can't really enable more throughout, it does remove potential bottlenecks so in a way that is true.

It's not enough of a security risk for any regular home user to worry about. It's a feature specifically in place for consumers not to have to worry about network configuration.

So basically if you need to ask what it is and what it does, then leave it ON.

 

[Rickster]

You going to give a reason?

This protocol is enabled by default on millions of systems, including routers, printers, media servers, IP cameras, smart TVs, home automation systems, and network storage servers.

Broad in Scope
UPnP technology targets home networks, proximity networks and networks in small businesses and commercial buildings. It enables data communication between any two devices under the command of any control device on the network. UPnP technology is independent of any particular operating system, programming language, or network technology.

UPnP Scenarios

Digital Entertainment
UPnP technology is enabling a world in which music and other digital entertainment content is accessible from various devices in the home without regard for where the media is stored. Using UPnP devices the whole family can share in the fun together whether it's:

-Playing Internet-based computer games
-Viewing your best family photos via the TV
-Watching home videos
-Listening to favorite tunes throughout the house

I dont see why not

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I dont see why not

Thanks.

I have mine on because I have services on the network that require it to be enabled.

 

[Lycanthrope]

So basically if you need to ask what it is and what it does, then leave it ON.

Agreed, especially if you don't know what "port forwarding" means...

 

[MDKza]

Agreed, especially if you don't know what "port forwarding" means...

Its worth finding out what it means and forwarding those ports manually..

Doesn't portforward.com give you step-by-step guides for this?