Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standard, nonsecure communication protocol used to collect information from devices on a TCP/IP network. SNMP was developed within the Internet community to monitor activity on network devices such as routers and bridges. Since then, acceptance of and support for SNMP have grown. Many devices, including computers running Windows 2000, can now be monitored with SNMP.
SNMP has a small command set and maintains a centralized database of management information. An SNMP system has three parts:
Exchange 2000 Server includes a special MIB that you can use to enable an SNMP Management System that manages many Exchange 2000 Server functions. This MIB is based on a standardized MIB named the Mail and Directory Management (MADMAN) MIB, which is detailed in RFC 1566. Microsoft's implementation of the MADMAN MIB meets all the specifications of the standard and adds a few touches of its own. The Exchange MADMAN MIB works by converting the System Monitor counters for the MTA and IMS objects to MIBs, using utilities provided with the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit (Microsoft Press, 2000).
MORE INFO
Despite its name, Simple Network Management Protocol is not so simple to use. This chapter offers only a glimpse of it so that you will know that it is available. If you are interested in deploying SNMP in your Exchange organization, consult the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit (Microsoft Press, 2000).