Appendix D

SNMP Interface

Overview

SNMP Concepts

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standardized protocol for network management services using a client/server model. The network management program (client) issues queries and commands to the remote device (agent/server). The protocol itself defines a number of variable types and struc- tures, and the rules for using them for data transfer. Using these variable types and rules, there are a number of standard variables that are supported by all SNMP agents. These standards include network addressing (IP address, sub- net mask, etc.), and network statistics (total packets, bad packets, etc.).

FMU uses Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to perform many of its functions. When the Terminal Configuration or Terminal Report function is selected, SNMP is used to query the Terminal for its current Configuration settings, as well as current status information such as battery status and memory usage. In the same function, SNMP is used to update Terminal Configuration settings when directed to. SNMP is also used by the FMU Servers to perform the automated Group Configuration update. The Server issues SNMP queries to discover the current Terminal Configuration, then uses SNMP commands to update any Configuration settings that need it.

MIB Files

A Management Information Base (MIB) is a file that defines a set of SNMP variables, their types and usage. There are a number of standard MIBs avail- able, depending on the information being managed.

Product Reference Guide

D-1