What is SNMP Protocol
What is SNMP Protocol
SNMP stands for Simple Network Management Protocol. SNMP is a framework used for managing devices on the internet. It provides a set of operations for monitoring and managing the internet. SNMP has two components Manager and agent. The manager is a host that controls and monitors a set of agents such as routers. It is an application layer protocol in which a few manager stations can handle a set of agents.
SNMP is an application layer protocol which uses UDP port number 161/162.SNMP is used to monitor the network, detect network faults and sometimes even used to configure remote devices..
Where Use SNMP
If an organization has 1000 of devices then to check all devices, one by one every day, are working properly or not is a hectic task. To ease these up, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is used.
Components of SNMP
- SNMP Manager
- Managed devices
- SNMP agent
SNMP Manager
It is a centralised system used to monitor network.It is also known as Network Management Station (NMS)
Managed Devices
A managed device or the network element is a part of the network that requires some form of monitoring and management e.g. routers, switches, servers, workstations, printers, UPSs, etc..
SNMP agent
It is a software management software module installed on a managed device. Managed devices can be network devices like PC, router, switches, servers etc.
How SNMP Work
SNMP can perform a multitude of functions, using a blend of push and pull communications between network devices and the management system. It can issue read or write commands, such as resetting a password or changing a configuration setting. It can also report back how much bandwidth, CPU and memory are in use, with some SNMP managers automatically sending the administrator an email or text message alert if a predefined threshold is exceeded.