SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol operates on UDP ports 161/162 in the Application layer. Is used for monitoring and managing network devices such as routers, switches, servers, printers, and IoT devices.

It helps in remote monitoring by collecting device statistics like CPU usage, memory, and network traffic, allows remote configuration and troubleshooting of network devices, and alerts administrators about critical issues.

It operates operates in a client-server model in the following way:

• The central system that requests and collects data from network devices is called SNMP Manager

• The network devices that run software to collect and report data to the SNMP Manager are called SNMP Agents

• A database structure defining what information can be monitored and managed is called a Management Information Base (MIB )

• To communicate it uses petitions sent across the network. There are:

  • GET: The SNMP Manager asks for information from an SNMP Agent

  • SET: The SNMP Manager changes a setting on a device

  • TRAP: An SNMP Agent sends an alert to the SNMP Manager

  • WALK: Retrieves multiple pieces of information at once