SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a set of protocols used to manage complex networks. SNMP works by sending messages, called protocol data units (PDUs), to different parts of a network.
SNMP-compliant devices, called agents, are entities that interface with the actual device you want to manage. Network bridges, hubs, routers, and servers are devices that you want to manage with SNMP. These devices have managed objects, such as hardware, configuration parameters, and performance statistics.that are directly involved in current operation of the device.