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SNMP Configuration and Basics

Jul 1, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers configuring SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) on Cisco routers using Packet Tracer and Boson NetSim, emphasizing key SNMP commands and confirming that SNMP configuration is not required for the CCNA exam.

SNMP Basics and Limitations in Packet Tracer

  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used to monitor and manage network devices.
  • Packet Tracer's SNMP functionality is limited; only basic community configuration is possible.
  • SNMP configuration is not required for the CCNA exam.

Configuring SNMP Communities on R1 (Packet Tracer)

  • Access global config mode on R1: ENABLE, CONF T.
  • Use SNMP-SERVER COMMUNITY to create community strings.
  • Example: SNMP-SERVER COMMUNITY Cisco1 RO (read-only), Cisco2 RW (read/write).
  • Only community configuration is available; can't specify hosts for traps.

Using the MIB Browser (Packet Tracer)

  • Enter R1's IP in PC1's MIB Browser: 192.168.1.254.
  • Set 'Read community' to Cisco1, 'Write community' to Cisco2.
  • Use SNMPv1 for compatibility.
  • Retrieve variables (OIDs) like system uptime (sysUpTime), hostname (sysName), interface number (ifNumber), interface descriptions (ifDescr), and types (ifType).
  • Check interface status with ifAdminStatus.

SNMP Set Operation (Packet Tracer)

  • Change device variables by selecting 'Set' in MIB Browser.
  • Example: Change R1 hostname from ‘R1’ to 'R11' using an OctetString value.
  • Changes reflect instantly in R1’s running configuration.

SNMP Configuration in Boson NetSim (CCNP Example)

  • SNMP not required for CCNA labs in NetSim; appears in CCNP labs.
  • Configure SNMP on Router1: SNMP-SERVER COMMUNITY Boson RO.
  • Configure contact: SNMP-SERVER CONTACT [email protected].
  • Set location: SNMP-SERVER LOCATION R1_SNMP.
  • Designate trap receiver: SNMP-SERVER HOST 10.10.0.2 snmp_logs.
  • Verify setup using SHOW SNMP, SHOW SNMP COMMUNITY, SHOW SNMP LOCATION, SHOW SNMP CONTACT, and SHOW SNMP HOST.
  • SNMP traps use UDP port 162; traps are enabled by default.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) — Protocol for monitoring and managing network devices.
  • Community String — Password-like text for SNMP access (e.g., read-only or read/write).
  • MIB (Management Information Base) — Database of SNMP variables (OIDs) used for management.
  • OID (Object Identifier) — Numeric identifier for an SNMP variable.
  • Trap — Unsolicited SNMP message sent to a management station.
  • NMS (Network Management Station) — System that receives SNMP data from devices.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • No SNMP configuration required for CCNA exam; review only if interested.
  • Practice using show commands to verify SNMP configuration.
  • (Optional) Explore Boson NetSim labs for hands-on practice beyond CCNA level.

Full transcript