8 things you need to know before selecting an SNMP proxy agent to monitor your non-SNMP managed devices

Many telemetry network managers - perhaps you - are faced with the task of collecting data from non-SNMP devices and reporting that information to an SNMP manager. The right tool for this job is an SNMP proxy agent device.

Before you begin designing your SNMP-based network monitoring system, you should keep the following concerns in mind:

1. Know your SNMP transport layer requirements
   • Will standard SNMP over UDP meet your transport needs?
   • Do you require the greater robustness of SNMP over TCP?
   • Do you need to connect to an SNMP manager that only supports TCP? (more info)
   
   
2. Make sure you're getting the most from SNMP
   • What is your company using as its SNMP manager?
   • Can your manager handle protocols other than SNMP?
   • What type of intelligent alarm reporting capabilities does your SNMP manager have?
   • Learn the difference between some of the leading SNMP managers in the market today. (more info)
   
   
3. Best practices for backup and recovery
   • Does your remote site use multiple power supplies?
   • Do you have multiple transport layers (for example, LAN and dial-up)?
   • Do you plan on keeping spare units in case a natural disaster strikes?
   • Find out how leading companies are protecting themselves against unavoidable equipment failure. (more info)
   
   
4. Define your control relays and automated responses
   • How quickly do you need to react to critical alarm notifications?
   • How close is the nearest service technician?
   • Do you need to have an automated response to critical events?
   • Learn how fast response times to critical events can save you time, money, and customers. (more info)
   
   
5. Be alert for potential protocol mediation issues
   • Do you have the need to convert older protocols from legacy gear into SNMP and report them to your Master Of Masters (MOM)?
   • Have you considered the possibility that one of your vendors may discontinue supporting its older products?
   • Click here to learn more about common protocol mediation scenarios. (more info)
   
   
6. Define your remote site visibility and control requirements
   • Is web browser access a desired viewing format for each of your remote sites because of it scalability and simple cross platform access or do you prefer custom software to access each device?
   • Do you need to see what is happening at your remote site using video surveillance?
   • Do you need to be able to control who enters a particular door, and when?
   • Learn more about the most common remote site visibility techniques and how you can implement them today. (more info)
   
   
7. How to determine the exact amount of alarm points you'll need to monitor at your remote site
   • How many contact closures are you trying to monitor (also known as discrete or digital alarm inputs)?
   • How many analog alarms are you needing to monitor (temperature, battery voltage, etc.)?
   • Do you have the need for a pass-through terminal server?
   • Learn the difference between various alarm types and how to make sure you've accounted for everything. (more info)
   
   
8. Selecting the right vendor is a crucial first step in your network build out
   • Do you foresee potential customizations for your SNMP proxy agent? Has the company you are dealing with done custom work before?
   • How focused do you want your vendor to be on telemetry monitoring?
   • Is a money back guarantee important to you?
   • Find out how vendor selection can be one of the most important steps in your network buildout. (more info)