A network protocol used to manage TCP/IP networks. On UNIX systems and in Windows, the SNMP service provides status information about a host on a TCP/IP network, as well as a means of managing network hosts (such as bridges, hubs, routers, and workstations or servers) from a computer running network-management software. SNMP utilizes a distributed architecture of agents and management systems. Because network management is critical for both auditing and resource management, SNMP can be used to do a number of useful things, including auditing network usage, configuring remote devices, detecting network faults and nonauthorized access, and monitoring network performance.

See Also: Routers; Server; TCP/IP or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; UNIX.