The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a foundational standard used to monitor, manage, and maintain network-connected devices such as routers, switches, servers, firewalls, printers, and IoT endpoints. Developed in the late 1980s, SNMP provides a lightweight, flexible way for administrators and network management systems (NMS) to collect performance metrics, detect issues, and configure devices remotely.
SNMP operates using a simple request-response model. A central management station, often running software like SolarWinds, PRTG, or OpenNMS, queries SNMP agents installed on devices to retrieve or modify data stored in their Management Information Base (MIB). This data includes interface statistics, uptime, CPU utilization, memory consumption, and error rates, essential metrics for maintaining uptime and performance.
SNMP supports multiple versions (v1, v2c, and v3), each adding enhancements in functionality and security. SNMPv3, for example, introduced authentication and encryption to protect sensitive network data. Despite being decades old, SNMP remains one of the most widely adopted network management protocols due to its simplicity, scalability, and interoperability across diverse hardware and vendors, making it a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure monitoring and automation.