User`s guide

Interfaces for configuring, monitoring, and administering Digi devices

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol for managing and monitoring

network devices. The SNMP architecture enables a network administrator to manage nodes--

servers, workstations, routers, switches, hubs, etc.--on an IP network; manage network

performance, find and solve network problems, and plan for network growth. Digi devices support

SNMP Versions 1 and 2.

SNMP is easy to implement in extensive networks. Programming new variables and “dropping in”

new devices in a network are easy. SNMP is widely used. It is a standard interface that integrates

well with network management stations in an enterprise environment. While its capabilities are

limited to device monitoring and display of statistics in Digi devices, read/write capabilities are

expected to be added to Digi devices in future releases.

However, because device communication is UDP-based, the communication is not secure. If more

secure communications with a device are required, use an alternate device interface. SNMP does

not allow for certain task that can be performed from the web interface, such as file management,

uploading firmware, or backing up and restoring configurations. Compared to the web or

command-line interfaces, SNMP is limited in its ability to set specific parameters, such as set port

profile, is not possible.

Accessing the SNMP interface requires a tool, such as a network management station. The

management station relies on an agent at a device to retrieve or update the information at the

device, including Device configuration, status, and statistical information. This information is

viewed as a logical database, called a Management Information Base (MIB). MIB modules

describe MIB variables for a variety of device types and computer hardware and software

components.

A variety of resources about SNMP are available, including reference books, overviews, and other

files on the Internet. For an overview of the SNMP interface and the components of MIB-II, go to

http://www.rfc-editor.org/rfcsearch.html, and search for MIB-II. From the results, locate the text

file describing the SNMP interface, titled Management Information Base for Network

Management of TCP/IP-based internets: MIB-II. The text of the Digi enterprise MIBs can also be

displayed.

For additional discussion of using SNMP as a device monitoring interface, see "Monitoring

Capabilities from SNMP" on page 209.