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Reserve Your Seat TodaySimple Network Management Protocol, or SNMP, is a widely adopted protocol for managing and monitoring network devices like routers, switches, servers, printers, and more. It provides a convenient way for network administrators to:
SNMP's primary purpose is to provide network administrators with a tool for managing, monitoring, and controlling various pieces of equipment on their networks. It does this by providing the means to configure settings, poll performance data from managed devices, and receive alerts (traps) from those devices when certain conditions are met.
SNMP primarily uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) as its transport protocol. Unlike Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), UDP is connectionless. That means that UDP doesn't need to establish a connection with the receiver before transmitting data like TCP does.
That makes UDP faster and more efficient for network management purposes. Although this isn't an absolute rule, speed and simplicity are often more important than 100% reliability.
Do remember that SNMP can also operate over TCP. This is mostly true in network environments where UDP is not reliable or permitted. In these settings, some prefer a virtual connection over UDP.
In the limited cases where it is used for SNMP, TCP provides a connection-oriented service. It ensures data delivery via acknowledgments and retransmissions if packets are lost.
By default, SNMP uses UDP ports 161 and 162, as follows:
For example, a NetGuardian RTU (an SNMP agent), might send a trap message to an SNMP manager on port 161. Later, the SNMP manager might send a SET command to toggle one of the NetGuardian's 8 control relay outputs.
SNMP defines several types of protocol operations, including:
SNMP has gone through several iterations over multiple decades. Each version added new features and capabilities.
SNMPv1, the first version, introduced basic network-management capabilities but had significant security deficiencies like sending data, including community strings, in plaintext.
SNMPv2 improved performance and management capabilities and introduced the InformRequest but had complicated security models that were difficult to implement.
SNMPv3, the current version, enhances SNMP by adding cryptographic security in terms of authentication and privacy (encryption). It has a user-based security model (USM) for message integrity and privacy, and a view-based access control model (VACM) for restricting access to MIB objects.
SNMP was introduced in 1988 to meet the growing need for a standard for managing Internet Protocol (IP) networks. SNMPv1 was quickly adopted due to its simplicity, but it soon became evident that it lacked sufficient security measures.
In response, SNMPv2 was developed in the mid-90s, providing enhancements in operational efficiency and security. However, its adoption was slowed by the complexity of its new party-based security model.
SNMPv3, standardized in 1998, addressed the deficiencies of its predecessors by introducing a user-based security model and has become the de facto standard for network management.
As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, specific data regarding the exact number of devices worldwide using SNMP is not available. However, considering SNMP's ubiquity in network management, it's safe to say that millions, if not billions, of devices globally use SNMP.
This includes an array of devices from enterprise-level network equipment like routers and switches, to consumer devices such as home routers and internet-connected appliances. Its use is expected to continue growing with the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT).
The Internet of Things (IoT) represents the next frontier of SNMP's applicability. With the number of IoT devices projected to reach tens of billions in the next few years, SNMP will play an integral role in managing these devices.
SNMP is crucial in the IoT landscape for two main reasons. First, it helps maintain an efficient and reliable network infrastructure, allowing a holistic view of all devices connected to the network. Secondly, it can help reduce downtime and save money by quickly detecting potential problems with devices before they result in outages.
As IoT devices are typically networked, SNMP presents a scalable and effective solution for managing and monitoring these devices' performance and reliability. Its simplicity, open standard status, and wide adoption make it a viable choice for device management in the vast landscape of IoT.
We can help you with any SNMP-related question, whether you're dealing with dedicated remote monitoring hardware or simply gear that uses it.
Speak with an engineer today about your project. Just tell us what you're trying to accomplish.
Call 1-800-693-0351 or email sales@dpstele.com
Andrew Erickson
Andrew Erickson is an Application Engineer at DPS Telecom, a manufacturer of semi-custom remote alarm monitoring systems based in Fresno, California. Andrew brings more than 17 years of experience building site monitoring solutions, developing intuitive user interfaces and documentation, and opt...
