About SNMP, SNMP Traps, SNMP Variables, and MIB Files
SNMP is a widely used mechanism by which network devices and software applications publish information about their current status. SNMP provides status information in two forms: SNMP Traps and SNMP Variables.
SNMP Traps are messages that network devices such as routers, PCs, switches, or printers send out when they detect a problem. For example, a router may send out an SNMP Trap when one of its interfaces goes down.
SNMP Variables are values which network devices or software applications publish to indicate their current status. For example, a printer may publish an SNMP Variable which indicates the percentage of toner remaining.
Most network devices, such as routers, printers, hubs, switches, servers, etc. and many software applications, such as databases, web servers, anti-virus, firewalls, etc. publish status information in the form of SNMP Variables and Traps.
MIB Files
Serio IT Service View can detect SNMP Traps and can read the values SNMP Variables.
In order to do so, Serio IT Service View needs to know about the types of SNMP Traps and SNMP Variables published by the device. This information is contained in a file (or files) called a MIB file (Management Information Base).
The MIB files have the extension .mib and are generally distributed with the device. You may find them on a CD, in a folder installed with accompanying software, or on the device vendor's web site. To locate the MIB files for your device, consult the device's documentation.
The first step in monitoring for SNMP Traps or reading SNMP Variables is to add the device's MIB file(s) to Serio IT Service View.
Further Reading
To learn more about monitoring for SNMP Traps, see Monitoring SNMP Traps.
To learn more about creating a Plugin to read the values of SNMP Variables, see Creating Plugins to Monitor New Types of Device.
