The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an Internet-standard
protocol for managing hosts on an IP network. Devices that typically
support SNMP include routers, switches, servers, workstations,
printers, modem racks, UPSs, and more.
Essential SNMP is a practical introduction to SNMP for
network and system administrators. It starts with the basics of SNMP
and how it works, along with the technical background to use it
effectively. The book covers OIDs, MIBs, community strings, traps, and
other technical elements. But the main focus is on practical network
administration: how to configure SNMP agents and network management
stations, how to use SNMP to retrieve and modify variables on network
devices, how to configure management software to react to traps sent by
managed devices.
Essential SNMP explores both commercial and open source
packages, including HP's OpenView, Castle Rock's SNMPc, the Net-SNMP
tools, Simon Leinen's Perl SNMP support, and MRTG. Administrators will
come away with ideas for writing scripts to help them manage their
networks, create managed objects, and extend the operation of SNMP
agents. In addition to SNMPv1 and v2, the book covers SNMPv3, which has
just started to appear in commercial products as of this printing.
