SNMP network monitoring makes the process of tracking network performance very straightforward by abstracting most network performance and activity data. SNMP has been around for over a decade, and is the protocol that is installed on most networking systems. There are many different software packages that, after retrieving and analyzing this data, can create network performance reports that assist in diagnosis and troubleshooting.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is, indeed, simple to use. The clear interface of SNMP makes it easy to program user preferences and change monitoring foci. This protocol is used in nearly every major network, and as such is well supported in the networking industry. SNMP network monitoring starts with the server, which in SNMP terms is defined as the Network Management Station.
The NMS rules the network, and counts among its minions the computers, routers and other elements that make up a network. This hierarchy makes it easy to monitor the activity of different elements, as each component reports back to a central source.
SNMP network monitoring is quite simple--it's designed to be, after all. Once configured, the NMS will send out signals to satellite devices, and track the manner and speed with which the devices respond. SNMP can monitor a number of different network devices and operations, using Management Information Bases (MIBs) and Object Identifiers (OIDs). MIBs define the properties of different types of network devices, while OIDs contain information about the specific properties of particular network devices. This information is critical to the monitoring process, as it allows SNMP to perform a number of monitoring functions due to the fact that actual responses can be compared to expected responses across a wide range of functions.
Drawbacks of SNMP Network Monitoring
Once the SNMP is configured, it can be used to track data and send alerts when problematic results occur. While SNMP is easy to set up and access, it is also easy to hack due to its ever-present nature. Companies with advanced security and monitoring needs will want to look to more advanced monitoring systems.
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