SNMP Full Form

SNMP full form is Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol of the internet standard which is used to manage and monitor all network devices which are connected from IP. SNMP is used for communication purposes between firewalls, routers, servers, CCTV and other wireless devices

What is the Full Form of SNMP?

As mentioned above the full form of SNMP is Simple Network Protocol. It is a networking protocol which is used for managing and monitoring networks connected with IP. The protocol is set up in multiple devices which includes routers, servers, switches, firewalls and other wireless devices which use IP addresses.SNMP helps in providing a common mechanism for networking devices to rely upon management information within multi-vendor and single LAN or WAN environments. It is also considered as a layer of application protocol on the OSI framework model.    

What are the Different Versions of SNMP?

The SNMP versions are categorized in three ways:

• SNMPversion1: It is considered easy to use because it provides basic functionality. But there were no security features.
• SNMPversion2: It is recognized as RFC 1901, 1441 and it also supports 64-bit counter architecture and improved technique for handling errors but still data remained unencrypted which results in a lack of security 
• SNMPversion3: It is known as RFC 3410 in this version security features were added and is considered the latest and still used.

What are the Characteristics of SNMP?

Below mentioned are SNMP characteristics: 

• It is used to monitor networks 
• It is capable of detecting network faults 
• It is capable of configuring remote devices
• It enables a simple way of collecting data on all devices from manufacturers in the industry

What are the Different Components of SNMP?

The components of SNMP are divided into 4 parts:

1. SNMPagent: Whenever queried with the SNMP manager, the agent also sends the requested information to the system which is managing it. Agents also notify if any error is found. Mojarly all devices come with pre-installed SNMP agent  
2. SNMP-managednetworknodes: They are network devices and services which work with agent run
3. SNMPmanager: It is a software platform which functions as a centralized console to the information given by agents.There are many free SNMP managers, but the number they can support nodes  is limited.Management information base: It is considered as a text file whose format is .mib. It describes all objects which are on devices and can be controlled using SNMP.

What are the Different SNMP Commands?

SNMP is capable of performing multiple functions by using push and pull-communication between the management system and network devices. It can understand read or write commands which includes changing settings of configuration, password resetting and even it can also report about bandwidth, CPU and memory, etc. Below mentioned are some popular and common commands of SNMP

1. GET Request: They are created by the SNMP manager and then sent to the agent to retrieve the value and identify it as  OID.
2. GETBULK Request: SNMP managers sent to an agent then they efficiently obtain large data amounts and tables
3. GETNEXT Request: SNMP managers sent to an agent then they retrieve values of OID
4. INFORM Request: It is an alert which is similar to TRAP but it requires confirmation by the SNMP manager.
5. Response: It is sent by the SNMP manager which is issued in reply to receiving GET Request and contains all requested variable 
6. SET Request: It is sent by the SNMP manager to the agent for issuing commands  
7. TRAP: An asynchronous notification sent by the agent to the SNMP manager to indicate an event or error.

About SNMP Working

SNMP works by sending a data protocol called an SNMP GET request to the network devices that later responds to SNMP. All communications are monitored, while network monitoring tools collect information from SNMP using GET requests. The traffic flows from many different networks and devices. After SNMP is configured and the protocol is enabled , performance statistics are stored for the device.Every network server has multiple management information base files. The MIB files are queried for monitoring data, and the working of SNMP keeps on revolving around the components and each component contributes to the management of resource.

What do you Mean by SNMP Port?

An SNMP port is a communication endpoint which helps in the identification of SNMP data transfers. The SNMP uses ports 161 & 162 for sending messages and commands. SNMP managers help to communicate with SNMP agents through SNMP ports. Then SNMP message transfers via a protocol named User Datagram Protocol. 

What are the Advantages of Using SNMP?

• Simplifies the task of admin by collecting data from devices and allows them to control them when required.
• Helps to isolate the problem 
• Informs the problem on time with the help of sending notifications to admin through multiple platforms 
• Analysis of the collected logs which helps to get insights 
• Capable of monitoring any network device which follows the standards of the industry
• It includes open-source of SNMP servers which are easier and more cost-effective
• It makes it easy for the admin because it collects information from all device's own
• It supports the visual explanation
• SNMP is used globally 

What are the Disadvantages of Using SNMP? 

• Configuration with devices is difficult and very time consuming
• As SNMP is based on a mechanism known as interval polling which misses the events which come during the interval
• It polls huge data regularly which needs high processing power

Written by: 

Deepit Mathur