What is SNMP?

SNMP, Simple Network Management Protocol, is a protocol used by Network Management Systems to both configure devices and monitor devices on the network for conditions that warrant administrative action.

SNMP managed devices describe their configuration and management information in the form of variables called OID’s (Object Identifiers). The OID variables can be queried and sometimes set by management applications. OID’s are natively arranged in a numerical hierarchy, for example 1.3.2.11.11.4. A Management Information Base, or MIB, “translates” the numeric OID’s into a more human-friendly format such as “SysName”.  A software component called an ‘agent’ runs on the managed system and reports these variables to the managing system via SNMP through Internet Protocol. Widely used and multi-vendor supported, SNMP is the de facto standard and most popular protocol for integrated management of diverse networks. 

SNMP management capability is useful and important for all Ethernet Networks. 

For Ethernet/IP applications,  ODVA Ethernet/IP infrastructure guidelines require the use of switches with both Web- and SNMP-accessible port status and diagnostics functions for Large Scale Control Enterprise or Networking, and these functions are also recommended for all General Use applications.

All Phoenix Contact managed switches support SNMP to create networks compatible with IT department network management, but are also rugged and reliable for use in tough industrial applications.

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