User manual

Page 13-1
13 SNMP (Simple Network
Management Protocol)
Introduction
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application layer protocol that allows
network devices to exchange management information. SNMP works by sending messages,
called protocol data units (PDUs), to network devices. Network administrators use SNMP to
monitor network performance and to solve network problems.
An
SNMP-managed network is comprised of three fundamental parts: agents, managed
devices, and network management systems (NMSs). An agent, which resides within a
managed device (i.e., a switch), is responsible for translating its local knowledge of manage-
ment information into a form compatible with SNMP. When certain defined asynchronous
events occur within a switch, the managed device sends traps, using the SNMP protocol, to a
designated NMS. The NMS then views and monitors the switch’s information through manage-
ment software applications such as HP Open View or X-Vision.
SNMP parameters and traps are configurable through the snmpc command. For more informa-
tion on this command, refer to Configuring SNMP Parameters and Traps on page 13-2. You
can view SNMP statistics through the snmps command. For more information on this
command, refer to Viewing SNMP Statistics on page 13-8. Both of these commands are also
listed on the Networking menu.