What does SNMP stand for?

• A. Simple Network Management Protocol
• B. Simple Network Monitoring Protocol
• C. Secure Network Management Protocol
• D. System Network Management Protocol

Answer: (A)

SNMP is a protocol used to manage and monitor devices on an IP network. It stands for Simple Network Management Protocol, which describes its purpose: a straightforward way to collect data from and configure network equipment such as routers, switches, and servers. In practice, a management system (the manager) talks to software on the devices (the agents) and uses a structured set of objects in the Management Information Base (MIB) to read status, set parameters, and monitor performance. Versions exist, with newer ones adding stronger security features, but the name itself remains the same. The other phrases alter key ideas—monitoring instead of management, or using terms like secure or system—which don’t match the established acronym.