SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is a way for IT professionals to monitor and manage devices across a network. SNMP allows managed devices to communicate with the network, to send information about status or to alert on configuration changes, and also allows technicians to issue read or write requests,
Not all devices support SNMP. The typical devices that use SNMP are hardware like printers, routers, switches, servers, and workstations, and more recently, devices connected via the Internet of Things (IoT). SNMP is a very common protocol, and used extremely widely in business environments. Most network devices will therefore come with SNMP agents ready to go on the device. All admins or technicians have to do is configure and manage the settings so that the agents can communicate directly with the management system of the network.
SNMP helps maintain efficient, secure, and well-functioning networks. It is primarily used for:
SNMP is a key network management tool that works by exchanging important information between network devices and the central management system, making sure that all transmissions are consistent for all devices, regardless of device type or manufacturer. It works like a conversation; the central system gives a command or asks for information (this is the ‘request’), and the network devices reply with data or confirm that they’ve made the requested changes (this is the ‘response’). SNMP allows technicians to monitor, adjust, and manage these devices from a distance using back-and-forth communication, and ensures everything on the network runs smoothly.
SNMP uses a client-server architecture, where the SNMP manager is the client, and the SNMP agent is the server. Here are the three components that you’ll have in a network that is managed by SNMP.
When the SNMP manager, (which functions in this case as the client) asks the server a question, the SNMP agent will need to use a database to find the answer. For SNMP, this is called the Management Information Base, more commonly known as an MIB. The MIB organizes all of the information, and will formally describe all of the components of a network device, plus its current status.
The MIB is a text file, and each item within the database will have its own unique OID, or Object Identifier.
When we talk about objects in relation to the MIB, we need to remember that any device can have multiple objects, which can be items like the CPU or hard drive space. An OID is a name, a string of numbers which is associated with specific information, such as the memory status of a single workstation.
Unique numbers are completely unambiguous and easy to track, and in SNMP devices, a tree-like hierarchy is used within the MIB so that you can easily see how information is being communicated.
SNMP can be configured in different ways, depending on the network needs. Common configurations include read-only (monitor data without changes), read-write (enabling full control over device settings), and trap-directed (devices automatically alert the system about significant issues or events). Each configuration offers a tailored approach to network management and security.
SNMP commands are essential tools for interacting with network devices and enable technicians to control a network efficiently. Some fundamental SNMP commands include:
There are three versions of SNMP:
An SNMP trap is like an automatic alert sent from a network device (the SNMP agent) to a monitoring system (the SNMP manager) to notify about specific events or changes. The traps are initiated and sent by the devices themselves, not manually by technicians. For example, if there is a configuration change or a system error within a network device, it automatically sends a trap message containing details of the event to alert the technicians without the need for manual intervention. Because these alerts are automatic, they enable quick and proactive responses to network issues.
In the majority of cases, SNMP works in a single direction – the SNMP manager sends a request, and then the SNMP agent replies with the information. That’s how it got its reputation as being as simple as its name suggests! This is usually done using UDP, User Datagram Protocol as the transport protocol. For this, there are specific ports used as defaults, which will be the same no matter what versions of SNMP are in use.
For standard synchronous traffic where the manager is sending a read command to access performance data, or a write command to reset a password or change a setting, the port used will be port 161, and when there is an error to report, this will be 162 – also known as SNMPTRAP. When 162 is used, this will be for the agent to report something back to the manager, in an asynchronous way.
The main functionality of the SNMP protocol is to push and pull information to and from devices. It’s not just about monitoring for information – it’s about actively making changes, like changing or rotating passwords, or organizing reboots and updates. This is great for MSPs and other IT professionals who might not be physically in front of the devices that they want to configure or maintain.
However, monitoring is also a use case in and of itself. Staying on top of elements of the network like bandwidth utilization, uptime, CPU or hard-disk space is really important, and it’s powerful to be able to make this happen on a granular level per network device. This helps you to educate specific teams or users if they have poor tech hygiene, encouraging them to restart assets, or make smarter decisions about data usage.
Because of the way that SNMP allows devices to report back to the SNMP manager, you can also use auto SNMP reporting to collect error messages and find issues before they become an issue for the end user. Over time, you can establish baselines and troubleshoot using this data. These messages from the SNMP devices can be sent by email, text message, or any other communication method that works for your network environment.
SNMP is crucial for efficient network management. It offers real-time insights into network performance, allowing for quick identification and resolution of issues. This proactive approach helps in maintaining consistent network reliability and performance. SNMP’s ability to automatically send alerts ensures that potential problems are addressed immediately, avoiding issues before they even arise. Its automated data collection from various devices reduces the risk of manual errors, enhancing accuracy in network monitoring. SNMP’s compatibility with a wide range of devices simplifies the management process, making it easier to oversee and maintain a diverse network infrastructure. This combination of real-time monitoring, automation, and broad compatibility makes SNMP an essential tool in network management.
Atera incorporates a built-in SNMP module that assists in device monitoring, providing notifications for any abnormalities or issues detected. It simplifies the process of monitoring network devices by using SNMP to gather critical information. This information includes device performance data, such as bandwidth usage, system health, and other vital metrics. Atera then presents this data in an easily understandable format, allowing IT professionals to quickly identify and address network issues. Additionally, Atera automates alert notifications when it detects irregularities, ensuring prompt responses to potential problems. Any device that supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) can be monitored using Atera. This streamlined approach to SNMP monitoring through Atera not only saves time but also improves the overall efficiency and reliability of network management.
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