Service Discovery Protocols

Service Discovery Protocols are methods used by devices on a network to find and connect with each other automatically. Instead of manually entering addresses or details, a device can locate other services—like printers, servers, or streaming devices—by broadcasting or listening for specific signals. These protocols streamline network setup, ensure devices can collaborate efficiently, and adapt dynamically as new devices join or leave the network. Examples include SSDP (used in UPnP) and mDNS (used in Bonjour). They make managing large or changing networks easier and more seamless for users and administrators alike.