RFC 1445 (rfc1445) - Page 2 of 47

Administrative Model for version 2 of the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMPv2)

          RFC 1445       Administrative Model for SNMPv2      April 1993


          1.  Introduction

          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.

          It is the purpose of this document, the Administrative Model
          for SNMPv2, to define how the administrative framework is
          applied to realize effective network management in a variety
          of configurations and environments.

          The model described here entails the use of distinct
          identities for peers that exchange SNMPv2 messages.  Thus, it
          represents a departure from the community-based administrative
          model of the original SNMP [1].  By unambiguously identifying
          the source and intended recipient of each SNMPv2 message, this
          new strategy improves upon the historical community scheme
          both by supporting a more convenient access control model and
          allowing for effective use of asymmetric (public key) security
          protocols in the future.


          1.1.  A Note on Terminology

          For the purpose of exposition, the original Internet-standard
          Network Management Framework, as described in RFCs 1155, 1157,
          and 1212, is termed the SNMP version 1 framework (SNMPv1).
          The current framework is termed the SNMP version 2 framework
          (SNMPv2).










          Galvin & McCloghrie