Oracle SNMP Support Reference Guide
Using MIB Variables for Different Purposes
MIB variables can be used for two different purposes. If they are used for fault management, the DBA is interested in significant changes in a variable's value or in a ratio over a short period of time. Once the DBA becomes aware of that change, its cause can be determined and corrected, if necessary. However, MIB variables can also be used to tune performance. In this case, the goal is to establish benchmark performance, as measured by the appropriate variable(s) or ratio(s).