Reference Guide

SNMP Manager
The SNMP Manager can communicate to the devices within a network using the SNMP protocol. Typically, SNMP Managers are
network management systems (NMS) that manage networks by monitoring the network parameters, and optionally, setting parameters
in managed devices. Normally, the SNMP Manager sends read requests to the devices that host the SNMP Agent, to which the SNMP
Agent responds with the requested data. In some cases, the managed devices can initiate the communication, and send data to the
SNMP Manager using asynchronous events called traps.
SNMP Agent
The SNMP agent is a software that resides in the managed devices in the network, and collects data from these devices. Each device
hosts an SNMP Agent. The SNMP Agent stores the data, and sends these when requested by an SNMP Manager. In addition, the Agent
can asynchronously alert the SNMP Manager about events, by using special PDUs called traps.
Management Information Base
SNMP Agents in the managed devices store the data about these devices in a database called a Management Information Base (MIB).
The MIB is a hierarchical database, which is structured on the standard specified in the RFC 2578 (Structure of Management
Information Version 2 (SMIv2)).
The MIB is a database of objects that can be used by a network management system to manage and monitor devices on the network.
The MIB can be retrieved by a network management system that uses SNMP. The MIB structure determines the scope of management
access allowed by a device. By using SNMP, a manager application can issue read or write operations within the scope of the MIB.
Basic SNMP operation
Every Brocade device carries an agent and management information base (MIB). The agent accesses information about a device and
makes it available to an SNMP network management station.
FIGURE 10 SNMP structure
When active, the management station can get information or set information when it queries an agent. SNMP commands, such as get,
set, and getnext are sent from the management station, and the agent replies once the value is obtained or modified. Agents use
variables to report such data as the number of bytes and packets in and out of the device, or the number of broadcast messages sent
and received. These variables are also known as managed objects . All managed objects are contained in the MIB.
Configuring Protocols
Brocade Fabric OS Administration Guide, 8.0.1
53-1004111-02 201