UPnP: a standardized architecture and interface
UPnP service for autonomous devices

The UPnP Forum has defined specifications for devices such as printers, routers, switches, lamps, audio/video systems, home temperature and ventilation management and many other electronic devices. These specifications cover server description files.

In addition to being able to communicate with a device via its presentation page, UPnP defines Web Services-style invocable actions, and an event subscription system. These services (and the list of actions and variables) are the main focus of the standardized descriptions defined by the UPnP Forum. Systems wishing to operate devices belonging to these categories therefore know the services with which they will be able to dialogue.