Open Source Nms
SNMP stands for Simple Network Management Protocol. Management systems of networks use this protocol to communicate with the elements of network. These elements come with SNMP agent. Most network hardware includes this agent, which must be configured to work with the system.
The network element initiates a message known as SNMP TRAP. The network management system receives this message. This is how a router or a printer can send this kind of message when something within is not working. The printer could be out of paper, or the router could have a failing power supply.
The network management software may initiate a message known as SNMP GET. This will allow it to retrieve date from the network element. For example, a router that uses a WAN link every five minutes may trigger such a message. As a result, charts and graphs are tabulated and the purpose is to inform that the link may be over worked.
Here is a list of network management software programs
1. Nagios
2. Open NMS
3. Zabbix
4. Nino
5. Net SNMP
6. Big Sister
7. MRTG
The packages listed above are open software programs. But if you need more features, consider commercial network management software such as HP OpenView or Micromuse NetCool.
There are quite a few versions of SNMP. This protocol was created in 1988 and is since upgraded. However, only the first two versions are widely supported by the elements of network systems. These two versions possess community based security. The other versions either possess user based or party based security. The latest version is minimally supported. The following are the versions:
1. SNMPv1
2. SNMPv2c
3. SNMPv2u
4. SNMPv2
5. SNMPv3
If you want to learn more on this topic, just go to SNMP.
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Filed Under: Open Source
