SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

We use it to monitor and manage devices on the network. Whether you have a router, switch, or even servers, SNMP gives you the ability to know exactly what is happening. Let me give you details on how to configure it step by step:

1. Understand SNMP and its basic concepts:

The first thing you need to know is that SNMP deals with Agents (the devices you want to monitor) and Managers (the system that collects data). The manager sends queries to devices to take information, such as the amount of traffic, the status of processors, or even the temperature of the devices.

2. Set up SNMP on devices:

• You need to make sure that SNMP is enabled on every device you want to monitor. Devices often support SNMP by default, but you just need to adjust it to suit your environment. The settings depend on the type of device you’re dealing with, but generally there are basic steps.

3. Choose the SNMP version:

• SNMP has three versions:

• SNMPv1:
The first version is the simplest version, but not safe.

• SNMPv2c:
It offers improvements over the first, but it has high security.

• SNMPv3:
The latest, strong security using encryption.

If your network is sensitive and concerned about security, use SNMPv3 to ensure that the data you collect is not exposed to anyone.

4. Set up Community Strings:

• Community Strings
It is a password that the manager uses to inquire from the agent. Usually it has two types:

• Read-only (RO):
I mean the manager can only see the information.

• Read-write (RW):
The manager can see and modify the device.

Choosing strong passwords is very important here, and it is preferable that you do not rely on default settings such as “public” and “private”.

5. Configure SNMP Traps:

• Traps are alert messages that the device sends directly to the manager if something becomes abnormal, such as a port crash or an overheating of the device. Setting up traps is important so you can quickly take action in case it goes wrong.

6. Configure Access Control:

• You must control who can access the SNMP from the network. Using Access Control Lists (ACLs), you can determine which devices or networks are allowed to use SNMP, thus ensuring that only authorized managers can communicate with the devices.

7. Activating Logging and Monitoring:

• To make sure that everything is working perfectly, activate logging at the level of routers and switches so that you can review the performance and know if there are problems that need to be fixed.

8. Testing and Follow-up:

• After you have finished setting up the SNMP, test it using tools such as snmpwalk or snmpget to make sure the manager can query the devices and receive the traps.

9. SNMP management tools:

• It has several tools available to help you manage SNMP and monitor the network, such as:
• SolarWinds
• Nagios
• PRTG Network Monitor

10. Security Best Practices:

• If you use SNMPv1 or SNMPv2c, make sure you only use it within a protected network, preferably on VLAN management only. If you use SNMPv3, things are more secure thanks to encryption.

Disclaimer – This post has only been shared for an educational and knowledge-sharing purpose related to Technologies. Information was obtained from the source above source. All rights and credits are reserved for the respective owner(s).

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Source: LinkedIn

Credits: Mr. Saleh Hassan on LinkedIn