Overview
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) allows a central management system (NMS) to query network devices for status information and receive alerts (traps) when specific events occur.
Key Components
- Managed Device: The device being monitored (e.g., router, switch, server).
- Agent: Software running on the managed device that collects data.
- Network Management Station (NMS): The central system that queries agents and displays data.
- MIB (Management Information Base): A database that defines the structure of the data available on a device.
Versions
- SNMPv1/v2c: Simple but insecure (uses 'community strings' in plaintext).
- SNMPv3: Adds encryption and strong authentication for improved security.