3Com corebuilder 3500 Implementation Manual page 37

Key Concepts 37
Simple Network Management Protocol
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is the standard
management protocol for multi-vendor IP networks. SNMP supports
transaction-based queries that allow the protocol to format messages
and to transmit information between reporting devices and
data-collection programs. SNMP runs on top of the User Datagram
Protocol (UDP), offering a connectionless-mode service. Figure 5 shows a
PC connected to the system through an Ethernet port.
Figure 5 SNMP Manager Access
R
SNMP agent
SNMP
®
SNMP Manager (Transcend
Network Control Services)
See Chapter 18 for additional information about SNMP.
IP Management Concepts
Both in-band and out-of-band management have advantages and
disadvantages.
In-Band Management If you manage your system and its attached
LANs over the same network that carries your regular data traffic, then
you are managing your network in band. This kind of management is
often the most convenient and inexpensive way to access your system.
The disadvantage is that, if your data network is faulty or congested, you
may not be able to diagnose the problem because management requests
are sent over the same network.
Out-of-Band Management If you are using a dedicated network for
management data, then you are managing your network out of band.
Although this is a more expensive way to access your network, you are
able to diagnose problems even when your data network is faulty.