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Knowledge base

DLNA Server

The DLNA Server component turns Banalytics into a local DLNA/UPnP media server. It exposes files from a configured File Storage component to smart TVs, media players, set-top boxes, and other DLNA-compatible clients on the same local network.

Expose File Storage as a local media server

The component publishes a UPnP MediaServer device, provides a ContentDirectory tree backed by the selected storage, and serves media bytes through an embedded HTTP streaming endpoint. This lets users browse and play recorded video, snapshots, audio files, or prepared media without opening the Banalytics web console.

UPnP

Discovery

DLNA clients on the LAN discover the configured server name as a media server.

DIR

Content browsing

Folders and supported media files are exposed through the DLNA ContentDirectory service.

HTTP

Streaming

The embedded server handles media downloads, HEAD requests, and byte-range requests for seeking.

Network scope: DLNA discovery is intended for trusted local networks. Do not expose the streaming port directly to untrusted networks unless access is protected by network-level controls.

Adding a DLNA server

01

Select the File Storage backend

Choose the File Storage component that contains videos, images, or audio files. The storage must be active and reachable when the DLNA server starts.

02

Set a client-facing server name

Use a short readable name such as Security Archive, Media Library, or Diagnostics. This is the name shown by TVs and media players.

03

Confirm the control and streaming ports

Keep the defaults unless another service already uses them. If you run several DLNA server instances, give each instance unique port values.

04

Allow access from the local network

Open inbound traffic to both configured ports on the agent host. The control port is used for UPnP communication, and the streaming port is used to fetch media files.

Supported formats and playback behavior

The server does not transcode media. It serves the original file with a MIME type detected from the file extension, so the client device must support the container, codec, audio track, subtitles, and bitrate.

Video
MP4, M4V, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, WebM, MPEG, TS.
Audio
MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV, M4A.
Images
JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WebP.
Seeking
GET, HEAD, and byte-range requests are supported for clients that seek inside video files.
Client compatibility: Keep file names, folder names, and paths simple. Some TVs and media players handle deep folders, unusual characters, non-ASCII names, subtitles, or uncommon extensions poorly.

Choosing settings for common scenarios

TV

Local TV playback

Select a storage with media files and keep the default ports if they are free. Smart TVs and set-top boxes on the same LAN should discover the configured server name.

REC

Recording archive browsing

Point the server to a storage where Banalytics recording or image tasks write finalized files. Operators can browse recordings from DLNA clients without opening the portal UI.

LIB

Separate libraries

Create separate DLNA server instances for different storages, for example Security Archive, Public Media, or Diagnostics. Use unique names and ports for each instance.

Operational guidance

NET

Multi-interface hosts

HTTP media URLs are built from the detected local agent address and streaming port. On hosts with VPNs, containers, or multiple interfaces, clients may fail to stream if that address is not reachable from the DLNA network.

DIR

Large storages

Keep media organized into folders. Very large flat directories can make browse requests slower because DLNA clients ask for child folders and supported media files by path.

PERF

Playback quality

Large 4K files require enough storage throughput, network bandwidth, and client buffering. Prefer wired networking or strong Wi-Fi for high-bitrate video.

Configuration parameters

ParameterRequiredDescriptionDefault
ID
YesA unique identifier automatically generated for this component instance. Read-only.Auto
Title
YesDisplay name of this DLNA server component inside Banalytics.DLNA Server
File Storage
YesReference to the File Storage component that supplies media files exposed through DLNA.None
Server Name
YesDLNA device name advertised to UPnP clients. This is the name shown by smart TVs, media players, and other DLNA clients.DLNA Server
UPnP Port
YesUPnP discovery and control port. Change it when another local UPnP or jUPnP service already uses the default control port. Allowed range is 1024-65535.8895
Streaming Port
YesHTTP port used by DLNA clients to fetch media bytes from the embedded streaming endpoint. Change it when another HTTP service already uses the default streaming port. Allowed range is 1024-65535.8896

When clients cannot discover or play media

01

Check UPnP and multicast on the LAN

Some routers, Wi-Fi isolation modes, VLANs, VPNs, and container network modes block discovery traffic.

02

Verify firewall and port conflicts

Both the control port and streaming port must be available on the agent host and reachable by the DLNA clients.

03

Validate file compatibility

Unknown file extensions are hidden from browsing, and unsupported codecs or bitrates may appear in the library but fail during playback.

Related storage and recording pages

Use these pages to prepare the media library, create recordings, and decide where files should be stored before they are exposed through DLNA.

Related tasks and pages