SNMP terminology

SNMP uses a manager/agent structure, a database, and a small set of commands to exchange information. SNMP terms include:

Agent: A module that resides within a managed device. The agent is responsible for responding to requests from the manager and for sending traps to a recipient that informs the systems administrator of potential problems.

Community string: Applications use community strings for access control. The manager includes the community string in the SNMP messages to the agent. The agent consequently can accept or reject the operation.

Managed device: A device that hosts the services of an SNMP agent that provides monitored information and controlled operations using SNMP. L-series libraries are managed devices.

Management Information Base (MIB): A collection of information stored in a database that contains configuration and statistical information for a managed device. For L-series libraries, a copy of the MIB is loaded with microcode and stored on the processor card. See Management Information Base topic for more information about the MIB.

Manager: Provides the communication link between the systems administrator and the managed devices on the network. A manager station or server allows the systems administrator to get information about the device through the MIB and to receive traps from an agent.

Recipient: A location on a manager where the SNMP agent sends traps. This location is defined by the combination of either the IP address or DNS name and the port number. The default recipient port number is 162.

Trap: A message that reports a problem, error, or a significant event that occurred within the device.