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"Do You Understand SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3?"

protocol
Learn these SNMP version
differences to make your job
easier.

SNMPv1

SNMPv1 was the first version of SNMP. Although it accomplished its goal of being an open, standard protocol, it was found to be lacking in security and delivery guarantees. Newer versions have addressed these problems. A broad range of devices support SNMPv1 today because it is so easy to implement.

SNMPv2C

SNMPv2c is a sub-version of SNMPv2. Its key advantage over previous versions is the Inform command. Unlike Traps, which are simply received by a manager, Informs are positively acknowledged with a response message. If a manager does not reply to an Inform, the SNMP agent will resend the Inform. Like v1, this version does not include secure encryption. For applications where you don't need security, this makes SNMPv2c similarly suitable for small RTUs that won't break your budget.

Other advantages include:

  • improved error handling
  • improved SET commands

NOTE: Not all devices are SNMPv2c compliant, so your SNMP manager should be downward compatible with SNMPv1 devices. You can also use an SNMPv3 mediation device to ensure compatibility.

SNMP V3

SNMPv3 is the newest version of SNMP. Its primary feature is enhanced security. It has been adopted by RTUs designed for high-security applications. Like RADIUS, SNMPv3 is important at security-conscious organizations. These are mostly large corporations and government agencies.

The "EngineID" Identifier in SNMPv3 uniquely identifies each SNMP entity. Conflicts can occur if two SNMP entities have duplicate EngineIDs. The EngineID is used to generate the key for authenticated messages.

SNMPv3 security comes primarily in 2 forms:

  • Authentication is used to ensure that traps are read by only the intended recipient. As messages are created, they are given a special key that is based on the EngineID of the entity. The key is shared with the intended recipient and used to receive the message.
  • Privacy encrypts the payload of the SNMP message to ensure that it cannot be read by unauthorized users. Any intercepted traps will be filled with garbled characters and will be unreadable. Privacy is especially useful in applications where SNMP messages must be routed over the Internet.

To learn more about the SNMP products that will make your job easier, call the DPS SNMP experts at 1-800-693-0351