SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability, visibility, and performance of IT infrastructure. It’s one of the most widely used protocols for monitoring and managing devices on IP networks, from routers and switches to servers, printers, and even IoT devices. Understanding how SNMP works can help network administrators keep their systems running smoothly and proactively address potential issues before they escalate.

What Is SNMP?

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a standard communication protocol used to collect and organize information about managed devices on IP networks. It allows network administrators to monitor device performance, detect network faults, and, in some cases, configure network equipment remotely. SNMP operates mainly over UDP (User Datagram Protocol) on ports 161 and 162, making it lightweight and efficient for real-time data exchange.