The MiniUPnPc client library facilitates access to the services provided by any Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Internet Gateway Device (IGD) present on the network. In UPnP terminology, MiniUPnPc is a UPnP Control Point.

It is useful whenever an application needs to listen for incoming connections while running behind a UPnP-enabled router or firewall. Such applications include peer-to-peer applications, active-mode FTP clients, DCC file transfers over IRC, instant messaging, network games, and most server software.