HNAP (Home Network Administration Protocol)

HNAP can be implemented in network devices to allow configuration and management by remote entities, such as Network Magic or any other software application that discovers and manages network devices. By implementing HNAP in a device, manufacturers can ensure their devices are correctly identified and provide detailed information about the device. HNAP can be implemented in any network device, including PCs, routers, cameras, NAS, and media players.

HNAP is an HTTP-Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)-based protocol. Because the protocol is based on top of existing HTTP-SOAP standards, it is very flexible and easily extensible.

Benefits of implementing HNAP in network devices

There are three high level benefits to manufacturers for implementing HNAP in a network device:

Accurate Topology Discovery

A network device can accurately describe itself to applications that support HNAP and show detailed information about the device. A device can choose its type and subtype, define its iconic representation, and also expose properties such as model name, firmware version, and support contact information. This type of information is useful to consumers when managing their networks, and to support personnel when helping customers.

Custom Task Extensibility

A network device can display custom tasks for the device. For example, when a device with HNAP support is selected in an application, tasks related to that device can be displayed. Custom tasks allow device vendors to differentiate their devices by exposing advanced or exclusive features to users.

Programmable API

Perhaps the largest and most comprehensive benefit of implementing HNAP on a network device is its ability to be silently managed by other management products. The full programmable API suite allows devices' network connections to be remotely managed and administered. For example, for a router, the programmable API can provide:

Automatic port mapping management
Network security with MAC filtering, WEP and WPA
Support for Network Magic's Net2Go
Router Setup, provisioning WAN and LAN interfaces, including advanced settings such as PPOE username/password
Add new devices to the network
Bandwidth monitoring

How do I implement HNAP?

Initial implementation may take a few weeks. Additional implementations take 1-2 weeks per device. Included with the HNAP developer kit is a TestDevice tool used to test a newly HNAP-enabled device. This ensures that the device is HNAP compliant and the correct information displays for the device with no errors.

Deploying HNAP involves a close working relationship with Pure Networks' partner developers and testers. Pure Networks representatives help with HNAP deployment, development, and testing questions.

Email partners@purenetworks.com for more information about implementing HNAP.

Learn more about HNAP. Read our HNAP White Paper

Case Study

Company

Worldwide Leading Router Manufacturer

Challenges

Consumers lack the technical expertise to properly install routers. As a result, router manufacturers traditionally experience high levels of product returns even though the products are perfectly functional. Coincident with the high return levels are elevated support calls related to installation and initial setup

Solution

Integrated HNAP (Home Network Administration Protocol) in every device along with a customized setup wizard that was built on the Pure Networks Platform

Benefits

Return rates were cut in half and support incidents were reduced by over 20%