III-2
III-2
[
[
SNMP
SNMP
]
]
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an "Internet-standard protocol for managing
devices on IP networks". Devices that typically support SNMP include routers, switches,
servers, workstations, printers, modem racks and more.
SNMP is used mostly in network management systems to monitor network-attached devices
for conditions that warrant administrative attention.
SNMP is a component of the Internet Protocol Suite as defined by the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF). It consists of a set of standards for network management, including an
application layer protocol, a database schema, and a set of data objects.
An SNMP-managed network consists of three key components:
Managed device
Agent - software which runs on managed devices
Network management station (NMS) - software which runs on the manager
A managed device is a network node that implements an SNMP interface that allows
unidirectional (read-only) or bidirectional (read and write) access to node-specific
information. Managed devices exchange node-specific information with the NMSs.
Sometimes called network elements, the managed devices can be any type of device,
including, but not limited to, routers, access servers, switches, bridges, hubs, IP
telephones, IP video cameras, computer hosts, and printers.
An agent is a network-management software module that resides on a managed device. An
agent has local knowledge of management information and translates that information to or
from an SNMP-specific form.
A network management station (NMS) executes applications that monitor and control
managed devices. NMSs provide the bulk of the processing and memory resources required
for network management. One or more NMSs may exist on any managed network.
VigorSwitch V1281 User Guide
40