Brocade Fabric OS MIB Reference (53-1000241-01, November 2006)

Fabric OS MIB Reference 1-1
Publication Number: 53-1000241-01
Chapter
1
Understanding Brocade SNMP
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an industry-standard method of monitoring and
managing network devices. This protocol promotes interoperability, because SNMP-capable systems
must adhere to a common set of framework and language rules.
Understanding the components of SNMP makes it possible to use third-party tools to view, browse, and
manipulate Brocade switch variables (MIBs) remotely as well as to set up an enterprise-level
management process. Every Brocade switch and director supports SNMP.
This chapter discusses the following:
• “Understanding SNMP Basics,” next
• “Loading Brocade MIBs” on page 1-5
• “SilkWorm 7500 / FR4-18i and Brocade MIBs” on page 1-8
• “Firmware Upgrades and Enabled Traps” on page 1-8
• “Fabric OS Commands for Configuring SNMP” on page 1-8
Understanding SNMP Basics
Every Brocade SilkWorm switch carries an agent and management information base (MIB), as shown
in Figure 1-1. The agent accesses information about a device and makes it available to an SNMP
network management station.
Figure 1-1 SNMP Structure
When active, the management station can get information or set information when it queries an agent.
SNMP commands, such as - get, set, getnext, setnext, and getresponse - are sent from the management
station, and the agent replies once the value is obtained or modified (see Figure 1-2). 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.
Agent
Management Station
SNMP
MIB