SNMP is a distributed management protocol. A system can operate
exclusively as either an NMS or an agent, or it can perform the functions of
both. When a system operates as both an NMS and an agent, another NMS might
require that the system query managed devices and provide a summary of the
information learned, or that it reports locally-stored management
information.
CiscoView is a graphical SNMP-based device management tool
that provides real-time views of networked Cisco devices. These views deliver a
continuously updated physical picture of device configuration and performance
conditions, with simultaneous views available for multiple device sessions.
Additionally, CiscoView is designed for integration with leading network
management platforms, such as HP OpenView Network Node Manager, to provide
seamless and powerful methods of managing Cisco devices such as routers,
switches, hubs, concentrators, and adapters.
To start CiscoView from a third party NMS requires that the Integration
utility has been installed. Figure
illustrates
numerous applications available for managing SNMP. Some of these applications
may not support SNMPv3. Figure
shows
SNMP TrapWatcher, a downloadable freeware application.