9032947 SNMP Management 655. SNMP MANAGEMENTThe SNMP ProtocolSNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a communicationprotocol designed specifically for the purpose of managing devices orother elements on a network. Network equipment commonly managedwith SNMP includes hubs, switches, routers, and host computers. SNMPis typically used to configure these types of devices for proper operationin their network environment, as well as to monitor them to evaluate theirperformance and detect potential problems.Managed entities supporting SNMP typically contain software, which runslocally on the device and is referred to as an agent. In Figure 5-1, softwarein an ELS100-24TXG switch functions as an agent, monitoring andcontrolling the functionality of the switch.Figure 5-1. ELS100-24TXG Switches Managed by anSNMP Management WorkstationA defined set of variables, referred to as managed objects, is maintainedby the agent and used to manage the device. These objects are definedin a Management Information Base (MIB) which allows for a standardpresentation of the information controlled by the agent over the network.The software used to access the information maintained by the SNMPagents across a network is referred to as the SNMP Manager, andtypically runs on a workstation.The SNMP manager software uses a MIB specification, equivalent to thatwhich the agent maintains, to read and write objects controlled by theagent for purposes of configuring and monitoring the device. SNMPdefines the format of the MIB specifications and the protocol used toaccess this information.
