SNMP Versions and Workflow

The switch functions as SNMP agent and supports SNMP v1, v2, and v3. It also reports system events to trap receivers using the traps defined in the MIB that it supports.

SNMP v1 and v2

To control access to the system, a list of community entries is defined. Each community entry consists of a community string and its access privilege. Only SNMP messages with the suitable community string and operation are responded to by the system.

SNMP agents maintain a list of variables that are used to manage the switch. These variables are defined in the Management Information Base (MIB).

NOTE     SNMPv2 protocol has known security vulnerabilities, and it is recommended to use SNMPv3.

SNMP v3

In addition to the functionality provided by SNMP v1 and v2, SNMP v3 applies access control and new trap mechanisms to SNMPv1 and SNMPv2 PDUs. SNMPv3 also defines a User Security Model (USM) that includes: