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ITGlossary · Communication and monitoring
SNMP
A standard network protocol used to monitor and control devices like UPS systems over a network.
Technical level:Intermediate
With SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), a network management system polls devices for their status and receives notifications (traps) when something important happens. On a UPS, this capability is usually provided by a network card, either built in or optional.
Through SNMP, the IT department's monitoring tools read voltages, load, temperature and battery status and are notified immediately of a power failure or fault. This brings UPS units into the same view as servers and switches. SNMPv3 adds authentication and encryption, whereas v1 and v2c send the community string unencrypted.
A practical tip: change the card's default community strings and passwords, and use SNMPv3 wherever it is supported.
Related articles
Related terms
- Ethernet Port (RJ45)The UPS's Ethernet network port, through which it can be monitored and controlled from any computer on the network via a browser, SNMP or shutdown software.
- Offline (Standby) UPSA UPS that leaves the load on the mains and switches to battery only when the mains fails, with a short transfer time; the simplest and cheapest topology.
- ModbusA communication protocol used for connecting industrial electronic devices, including UPS systems.
- Network Management Card (NMC)An interface card enabling remote monitoring and control of UPS systems via network.
- NUT (Network UPS Tools)Open-source software that reads the UPS status and shares it over the network, so that several servers and NAS devices can shut down in a coordinated way.
- Remote MonitoringThe ability to observe and manage UPS performance over a network from another location.