RFC 1089 (rfc1089) - Page 1 of 3
SNMP over Ethernet
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group M. Schoffstall
Request for Comments: 1089 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
C. Davin
MIT Laboratory for Computer Science
M. Fedor
NYSERNet, Inc.
J. Case
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
February 1989
SNMP over Ethernet
Status of This Memo
This memo describes an experimental method by which the Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP) as specified in [1] can be used
over Ethernet MAC layer framing [2] instead of the Internet UDP/IP
protocol stack. This specification is useful for LAN based network
elements that support no higher layer protocols beyond the MAC sub-
layer. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Overview and Rational
SNMP has been successful in managing Internet capable network
elements which support the protocol stack at least through UDP the
connectionless Internet transport layer protocol. As originally
designed, SNMP is capable of running over any reasonable transport
mechanism (not necessarily a transport protocol) that supports bi-
directional flow and addressability.
Many non-Internet capable network elements are present in local
networks; for example, repeaters and wiring concentrators. They
include both addressability, and programmable intelligence. These
devices are widely used and increasingly important yet, for the most
part, invisible except through proprietary mechanisms.
Specification
Almost all Internet capable network elements use the same mechanism
for encapsulation of the Internet protocol stack regardless of
conformity with the physical characteristics of Ethernet or 802.3,
this mechanism is specified in [3] and [4]. This specification
continues that style with the assignment (by XEROX) of 33100
(hexadecimal 814C) to the Ethernet Type field for SNMP. The data
portion of the Ethernet frame would then be a standard SNMP message
as specified in [1].
Schoffstall, Davin, Fedor & Case