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What is Simple Network Management Protocol?

Tags:

  • Networking
  • Network Switches

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) monitors and manages devices on an IP network. SNMP uses a structured format with Object Identifiers (OIDs) to retrieve and modify device parameters and supports SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3. SNMPv3 offers enhanced security through authentication and encryption. SNMP also includes Traps, which send alert messages to an SNMP manager when specific events occur, including device failures or high CPU usage. This protocol is widely used in industrial automation and helps track device health, collect performance data, and detect network issues.

Example Scenario: SCADA system relies on redundant network paths for high availability.

In a network setup with dual-homing, a downstream device (such as a server or network appliance) is connected to an upstream managed switch via two Ethernet links for redundancy. Both the downstream device and upstream switch are configured for dual-homing to ensure continuous connectivity. If one of the Ethernet links fails, the upstream switch activates the secondary port to maintain network communication. The switch then sends an SNMP Trap message to the Trap manager, indicating that the primary Ethernet connection is down and the backup port is now active. The Trap manager receives this notification, alerting the network administrator to check the Ethernet cables or connections for issues. This enables the administrator to quickly troubleshoot and resolve the issue, minimizing potential disruptions in network service.

Content created by Mike Day