SNMP Reference Guide

Introduction 25
SNMP Basic Terminology
It is important to have a good understanding of the key technical terms used
in this guide. This guide provides definitions for all essential terms used in
describing the Server Administrator MIBs. For definitions on all essential
terms and acronyms, see the Glossary available on the Dell Support website at
support.dell.com/manuals.
SNMP Master Agent
Typically, the SNMP agent on a managed system consists of one SNMP
master agent and zero or more SNMP extension agents. This SNMP agent
extendable structure facilitates the addition of new MIB modules without
having to rebuild the entire SNMP agent and is invisible to
SNMP management applications.
The SNMP master agent is responsible for receiving SNMP request protocol
messages from SNMP management applications and sending SNMP response
protocol messages. As part of processing SNMP request protocol messages,
the SNMP master agent typically communicates with one or more SNMP
extension agents. This communication does not involve standard SNMP
protocol messages. The SNMP master agent uses an extension protocol that
shields the SNMP extension agent from the standard SNMP protocol
messages. The extension protocol also provides a way for SNMP extension
agents to send SNMP event notifications (called traps in SNMPv1).
The SNMP master agent is also responsible for sending SNMP event
notification protocol messages to SNMP management applications.
On supported operating systems, the SNMP master agent is provided with
the operating system. For example, on supported Microsoft Windows
operating systems, the Windows SNMP service is the SNMP master agent.
For information on the versions of the SNMP protocol supported by the
SNMP master agent, see the operating system documentation.
Server Administrator-standard data types that specify
variable values in this reference guide.
Appendix A, "Standard Data
Type Definitions" on
page 789.
Table 1-8. Where to Find Definitions for Technical Terms
(continued)
Type of Definition See
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