Technical data

Fabric OS MIB Reference Manual 1-1
Publication Number: 53-0000521-08
Chapter
1
Understanding Brocade SNMP
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an industry standard method for monitoring and
managing network devices. This protocol promotes interoperability, as SNMP-capable systems must
adhere to a common set of framework and language rules. Understanding the components of SNMP
make it possible to use third-party tools to view, browse, and manipulate Brocade switch variables
(MIBs) remotely as well as set up an enterprise-level management process. Every Brocade switch
supports SNMP.
This chapter discusses the following:
• “Understanding SNMP Basics,” next
• “Loading Brocade MIBs” on page 1-4
Understanding SNMP Basics
Every Brocade SilkWorm switch carries an agent and management information base (MIB), as
illustrated in Figure 1-1. The agent accesses information about a device and makes it available to a
network management station.
Figure 1-1 SNMP Structure
When active, the management station can get information or set information when it queries an agent.
The get, getnext, and set commands are sent from the management station, and the agent replies once
the value is obtained or modified (see Figure 1-2). Agents use variables to report such data as the
number of bytes and packets in and out of the device, or the number of broadcast messages sent and
received. These variables are also known as managed objects. All managed objects are contained in the
MIB.
Figure 1-2 SNMP Query
Agent
Management
Station
SNMP
MIB
Management
Station
Agent
Get, Get Next, Set
Reply