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SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is a standard protocol for monitoring and managing network devices like routers, switches, servers, and printers. It provides a common language for these devices to share management data, allowing a central system to collect, organize, and modify information about network status, performance, and configuration.

How it works

Client-Server Architecture: SNMP uses a client-server model with two main components: the SNMP Manager (or Network Management System) and the SNMP Agent.

SNMP Manager: This is the central application that queries agents for information, such as a server running management software.

SNMP Agent: This is a software component that runs on a network device and collects information about its status and configuration.

Management Information Base (MIB): Each managed device contains a MIB, which is a database of variables that describes the device's status. The manager queries the MIB to get the information it needs.

Requests and Responses: The manager sends requests to agents to retrieve data. The agents respond with the requested information from their MIB.

Traps: An agent can also send unsolicited messages, called traps, to the manager to report significant events, such as a device going offline.