Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application-layer protocol used to manage and monitor network devices and their functions. SNMP provides a common language for network devices to relay management information within single- and multivendor environments in a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The most recent iteration of SNMP, version 3, includes security enhancements that authenticate and encrypt SNMP messages as well as protect packets during transit.

Components of SNMP

There are four main components in an SNMP-managed network:

SNMP agent: This program runs on the hardware or service being monitored, collecting data about various metrics like bandwidth use or disk space. When queried by the SNMP manager, the agent sends this information back to the management system. An agent may also proactively notify the NMS if an error occurs. Most devices come with an SNMP agent preinstalled; it typically just needs to be turned on and configured.

SNMP-managed devices and resources: These are the nodes on which an agent runs.

SNMP manager (aka NMS): This software platform functions as a centralized console to which agents feed information. It will actively request agents send updates via SNMP at regular intervals. What a network manager can do with that information depends heavily on how feature-rich the NMS is. There are several free SNMP managers available, but they are typically limited in their capabilities or the number of nodes they can support. At the other end of the spectrum, enterprise-grade platforms offer advanced features for more complex networks, with some products supporting up to tens of thousands of nodes.

Management information base (MIB): This database is a text file (.mib) that itemizes and describes all objects used by a particular device that can be queried or controlled using SNMP. This database must be loaded into the NMS so that it can identify and monitor the status of these properties. Each MIB item is assigned an object identifier (OID).