RFC 1441 (rfc1441) - Page 3 of 13

Introduction to version 2 of the Internet-standard Network Management Framework

          RFC 1441            Introduction to SNMPv2          April 1993


          2.  Components of the SNMPv2 Framework

          A network management system contains: several (potentially
          many) nodes, each with a processing entity, termed an agent,
          which has access to management instrumentation; at least one
          management station; and, a management protocol, used to convey
          management information between the agents and management
          stations.  Operations of the protocol are carried out under an
          administrative framework which defines both authentication and
          authorization policies.

          Network management stations execute management applications
          which monitor and control network elements.  Network elements
          are devices such as hosts, routers, terminal servers, etc.,
          which are monitored and controlled through access to their
          management information.


          2.1.  Structure of Management Information

          Management information is viewed as a collection of managed
          objects, residing in a virtual information store, termed the
          Management Information Base (MIB).  Collections of related
          objects are defined in MIB modules.  These modules are written
          using a subset of OSI's Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1)
          [5].  It is the purpose of the Structure of Management
          Information for SNMPv2 document [6] to define that subset.

          The SMI is divided into three parts: module definitions,
          object definitions, and, trap definitions.

          (1)  Module definitions are used when describing information
               modules.  An ASN.1 macro, MODULE-IDENTITY, is used to
               concisely convey the semantics of an information module.

          (2)  Object definitions are used when describing managed
               objects.  An ASN.1 macro, OBJECT-TYPE, is used to
               concisely convey the syntax and semantics of a managed
               object.

          (3)  Notification definitions are used when describing
               unsolicited transmissions of management information.  An
               ASN.1 macro, NOTIFICATION-TYPE, is used to concisely
               convey the syntax and semantics of a notification.






          Case, McCloghrie, Rose & Waldbusser