SNMP overview

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standard for monitoring network systems, such as servers, switches, routers, and other network-based devices without requiring physical interaction with the device.

SNMP requires a network management system (NMS) to receive alerts (traps) and to request status messages from the network devices. Using SNMP, you can monitor multiple network devices and react quickly to conditions, problems, or outages with those devices. There are many commercial and open-source NMS products available.