Community String

In SNMP, one or several managers together with an agent is known as a community. SNMPv1 and v2c messages contain the name of a community, known as a community string. While SNMPv3 packets are associated to users specified in USM settings, SNMPv2 and v1 packets have an associated community string. The community string is an octet string variable used for the following checks:

• Identifying the requesting entity.

• Indicating the location of the requesting entity.

• Determining the MIB view information.

The VACM supported by the SMA elaborates on the community string model with a dynamic access control model. The dynamic access control model for SNMPv3 is explained in Using VACM for Access Control.

The com2sec token maps a community to an SNMPv3 security name, so that the community can use VACM views. For more information, see Chapter 4, Managing Security.