Definition
SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is a standard communication protocol used for monitoring and managing network devices. It enables administrators to gather information from and send commands to network devices like routers, switches, and servers. SNMP operates using a manager agent model where a central manager queries agents residing on managed devices to collect data or perform actions. This protocol is crucial for maintaining network health, identifying performance bottlenecks, and detecting security threats in real time. For instance, an administrator can use SNMP to check the CPU utilization of a server or to reboot a malfunctioning network switch remotely. Unlike protocols focused solely on data transfer like FTP, SNMP is designed for control and observation of network infrastructure. It is a common topic on IT certification exams such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, and CISSP.