16.0 Introduction

In this chapter and in the one following it, we discuss two of PHP's add-on modules that enable you to access two different network protocols: SNMP and LDAP. We will discuss exactly what each protocol is and then move into the functions and their uses.

SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, helps you manage your network, as its name suggests. Developed to provide a common framework for network management, SNMP is the emerging communications and control management standard. Some uses of SNMP include

• Managing databases

• Managing power on a network

• Setting up addresses for devices

• Monitoring printer queues

SNMP works by interfacing with the management information databases (MIDs) of the devices on the network. By issuing SNMP commands, you can monitor and control the network by retrieving information for network devices and issuing control commands.

PHP offers a standard set of functions that enables you to add, delete, get, and read SNMP objects, which are basically wrappers for the C function calls. For more information about what is supported, see the man page on SNMP at http:// www.php.net/manual/ref.snmp.php.