Understanding SQL*Net
What is the Purpose of SNMP?
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) was designed for the purpose of querying and transferring management information between nodes on a network. As a protocol, SNMP defines how information is conveyed between "managed" nodes and "managing" nodes on an enterprise's network. In the past, managed nodes have included network devices such as bridges, routers, hubs, network interface cards, network monitors, and analyzers. However, the set of managed network objects is evolving to include software applications in addition to network devices. The managing nodes consist of workstations at which any one of a number of system and network management applications are run. These programs, based upon SNMP, are variously called network management platforms or frameworks.
For a discussion of terms, concepts, and principal components related to SNMP, such as network management station ("manager nodes"), managed nodes or elements, Management Information Base (MIB), and SNMP Master Agent and subagent, refer to the Oracle SNMP Support Reference Guide.