The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2003. Its primary goal was to develop standards that enable convenient sharing of digital media files between devices within a home network, such as televisions, computers, smartphones, and other multimedia equipment. This technology was especially relevant in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when TVs began to include network ports, allowing them to connect directly to local networks. As a result, televisions could be integrated into home computer networks, making it possible to watch videos without a direct HDMI connection.
How DLNA Works
DLNA operates within a local network, where all devices must have IP addresses belonging to the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.20). Essentially, DLNA is a collection of protocols designed to enable seamless communication between compatible devices on a network.
To use DLNA, a server is required—typically a computer or a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device running specialized software. This server scans the local network for DLNA-enabled devices. Once such devices are detected, a shared media environment is created, often accessed through features such as “Media Sharing” or “DLNA Server.”
This setup allows users to view videos, photos, and other media files stored on a computer or NAS directly on a TV screen. The connection is established via IP addresses: the server reads the media files and streams them over the network, while the TV provides an interface for browsing and selecting the desired content.
The Rise and Decline of DLNA
DLNA gained widespread adoption with the emergence of smart TVs around 2010, significantly simplifying local media sharing. Before DLNA, users typically had to copy videos to USB flash drives or connect computers to TVs using HDMI cables. DLNA removed these inconveniences by enabling media playback over a local network.
However, the situation began to change after 2016 with the rapid growth of streaming services. As smart TV applications provided access to vast libraries of online content, the need for locally stored media—and consequently DLNA—started to decline.
The decrease in DLNA’s popularity was further accelerated by technologies such as Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. These solutions allow users to stream content to a TV with a single click, without the need to configure media server software. As a result, DLNA gradually lost relevance in favor of more user-friendly streaming technologies.
According to the DLNA Alliance, more than 4 billion devices have been DLNA-certified. However, it remains unclear how many of these devices are still actively used and how many have become outdated or discarded.
Over time, manufacturers began discontinuing DLNA certification for their products:
- Samsung stopped certifying TVs in 2015 and mobile devices in 2016.
- LG ended DLNA certification for TVs in 2016, although DLNA-capable models continued to be produced for some time.
- Sony discontinued certification in 2017.
- Panasonic followed in 2019.
In conclusion, DLNA—once a reliable and widely used solution for media sharing—has become increasingly obsolete as modern streaming technologies have taken its place. Nevertheless, some manufacturers still include DLNA functionality in their devices, although it is rarely advertised today due to its limited use.
Categories of DLNA-Compatible Devices
DLNA devices are divided into specific categories, which can be seen in the table below.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Home Network Devices (HND) | Network storage devices, audio and video players, TVs, music centers, printers |
| Digital Media Servers (DMS) | Devices that store and share digital content |
| Digital Media Players (DMP) | Devices designed to play digital content |
| Digital Media Controllers (DMC) | Devices that control the playback and sharing of digital media |
| Digital Media Renderers (DMR) | Devices that display and play media files |
| Mobile Devices (MHD) | Mobile phones, portable players, handheld computers, photo/video cameras |
| Mobile Digital Media Servers (M-DMS) | Devices that function as mobile digital media servers |
| Mobile Digital Media Players (M-DMP) | Devices designed to play digital content on the go |
| Mobile Digital Media Downloaders (M-DMD) | Devices that facilitate downloading of digital media content |
| Mobile Digital Media Uploaders (M-DMU) | Devices that allow uploading of digital media content |
| Mobile Digital Media Controllers (M-DMC) | Devices that control the playback of digital media |
| Home Interoperability Devices (HID) | Devices that support additional communication standards and convert data formats to ensure compatibility across technologies |
