SNMP Reference Guide

26 Introduction
SNMP Basic Terminology
It is important to have a good understanding of the key technical terms used
in this guide. This guide provides definitions for all essential terms used in
describing the Server Administrator MIBs. The Glossary contains definitions
for all essential terms and acronyms.
SNMP Master Agent
Typically, the SNMP agent on a managed system consists of one SNMP master
agent and zero or more SNMP extension agents. This SNMP agent extendable
structure facilitates the addition of new MIB modules without having to rebuild
the entire SNMP agent and is invisible to SNMP management applications.
The SNMP master agent is responsible for receiving SNMP request protocol
messages from SNMP management applications and sending SNMP response
protocol messages. As part of processing SNMP request protocol messages,
the SNMP master agent typically communicates with one or more SNMP
extension agents. This communication does not involve standard SNMP
protocol messages. The SNMP master agent uses an extension protocol that
shields the SNMP extension agent from the standard SNMP protocol
messages. The extension protocol also provides a way for SNMP extension
agents to send SNMP event notifications (called traps in SNMPv1). The
SNMP master agent is also responsible for sending SNMP event notification
protocol messages to SNMP management applications.
Table 1-8. Where to Find Definitions for Technical Terms
Type of Definition See
Basic SNMP vocabulary. Introduction
MIB-group-specific variable values. MIB-group-
specific MIB variables contain links to the tables
that define these values in the last section of the
section in which these variables are used.
Sections 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 11
through 18.
Systems management terms, acronyms, and
commonly managed components referred to in
this reference guide.
Glossary
Server Administrator-standard data types that
specify variable values in this reference guide.
Appendix A, "Standard Data
Type Definitions."
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