What is a Community in SNMP?

In SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), a Community is a logical group used for authentication purposes and functions as a password or access control mechanism that defines the level of access to network devices such as routers, switches, and servers. A Community enables SNMP-enabled devices to be managed remotely.

There are two primary types of Community Strings: Read-Only (RO) and Read-Write (RW). A Read-Only (RO) community allows users to retrieve information from the device, preventing users from making any changes to the device’s configuration. A Read-Write (RW) community allows users to retrieve information and make modifications to the device’s configuration.

When an SNMP request is received, the device checks the Community String to determine if the requestor has the proper access rights. If the string matches, the device grants the appropriate access level; otherwise, access is denied, enhancing security.

Content created by Mike Day