User’s Manual 59
Appendix ASNMP Interface
Overview

SNMP Concepts

The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standardized proto-
col 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 structures, and the rules for using them for data transfer. Using these vari-
able types and rules, there are a number of standard variables that are sup-
ported by all SNMP agents. These standards include network addressing (IP
address, subnet 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 func-
tion is selected, SNMP is used to query the terminal for its current configura-
tion settings, as well as current status information such as battery status and
memory usage. In the same function, SNMP is used to update terminal con-
figuration settings when directed. SNMP is also used by FMU servers to per-
form automated group updates.

MIB Files

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