Skip to content
IT Atlas

Networking · Protocols

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol collects counters and state from network devices and sends traps on events.

FoundationalUpdated 2026-09-01

Overview

SNMP polls object identifiers defined in MIBs for interface counters, CPU, memory, temperature and errors, and devices can push traps or informs when thresholds are crossed. It remains the backbone of network monitoring alongside streaming telemetry.

Versions 1 and 2c authenticate with a plaintext community string. SNMPv3 adds authentication and privacy and should be the default choice.

Security considerations

  • Use SNMPv3 with authPriv, or restrict v2c read only access to management sources by ACL.
  • Never leave 'public' or 'private' community strings in place.