© Microhard Systems Inc.
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4.0 Configuration
4.2.6 Network > SNMP
The IPn4G may be configured to operate as a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
agent. Network management is most important in larger networks, so as to be able to manage
resources and measure performance. SNMP may be used in several ways:
configure remote devices
monitor network performance
detect faults
audit network usage
detect authentication failures
A SNMP management system (a PC running SNMP management software) is required for this
service to operate. This system must have full access to the IPn4G. Communications is in the
form of queries (information requested by the management system) or traps (information
initiated at, and provided by, the SNMP agent in response to predefined events).
Objects specific to the IPn4G are hosted under private enterprise number
21703
.
An object is a variable in the device and is defined by a Management Information Database
(MIB). Both the management system and the device have a copy of the MIB. The MIB in the
management system provides for identification and processing of the information sent by a
device (either responses to queries or device-sourced traps). The MIB in the device relates
subroutine addresses to objects in order to read data from, or write data to, variables in the
device.
An SNMPv1 agent accepts commands to retrieve an object, retrieve the next object, set and
object to a specified value, send a value in response to a received command, and send a value
in response to an event (trap).
SNMPv2c adds to the above the ability to retrieve a large number of objects in response to a
single request.
SNMPv3 adds strong security features including encryption; a shared password key is utilized.
Secure device monitoring over the Internet is possible. In addition to the commands noted as
supported above, there is a command to synchronize with a remote management station.
The pages that follow describe the different fields required to set up SNMP on the IPn4G. MIBS
may be requested from Microhard Systems Inc.
The MIB file can be downloaded directly from the unit using the
‘Get MIB File’
button on the
Network > SNMP menu.
SNMP: Simple Network
Management Protocol
provides a method of
managing network
devices from a single PC
running network
management software.
Managed networked
devices are referred to as
SNMP agents.
