Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an Internet protocol used for monitoring and managing routers, switches, servers, workstations and other devices on IP networks.

In Managed IT:

– SNMP allows MSPs to remotely monitor the health, usage and performance of critical network devices deployed for clients.
– Automated SNMP monitoring enables issues like overutilization, downtimes and congestion to be rapidly detected across client infrastructure.
– MSPs rely on SNMP for generating utilization reports and dashboards to help optimize and tune networked environments.

Example:

An MSP leverages SNMP data to create a monthly report for an education client summarizing bandwidth consumption patterns across their school district’s network devices.

Key Takeaways:

– Continuous oversight of customer environments involves tracking devices via protocols like SNMP.
– SNMP instrumentation provides the endpoint visibility needed for proactive managed IT services.