SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol used for managing and monitoring network devices such as routers, switches, and servers. It works by using a manager and an agent in a client-server model.
The SNMP manager (usually a software application) sends requests to the SNMP agent (which runs on the network device being managed) to gather information or perform a certain action. The agent then responds to the manager with the requested information or performs the requested action.
SNMP operates using a series of standardized messages, including:
- GetRequest: sends a request to the agent for information on a specific parameter
- GetNextRequest: retrieves the next parameter in a sequence of parameters
- SetRequest: sends a request to the agent to modify a parameter value
- Trap: sends notifications from the agent to the manager when certain events occur, such as a device failure or network congestion
SNMP uses a hierarchical structure for organizing network devices and their associated parameters, called the Management Information Base (MIB). The MIB organizes parameters into a tree structure, with each branch representing a different aspect of the network or device being monitored.
Overall, SNMP provides a standard way to manage and monitor network devices, enabling network administrators to easily identify and troubleshoot issues.
