You've got MODBUS devices (devices that use the MODBUS protocol to communicate) in the field. Those may be HVAC units, smart meters, PLCs, or backup power systems.

You've also got a central SNMP manager - and it doesn't talk to your MODBUS gear. That's a serious problem when your job is to see everything at your remote sites.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. In fact, MODBUS-to-SNMP protocol mismatch is one of the top integration issues in industrial and telecom environments today. And for good reason:

• MODBUS is everywhere.
• SNMP is the standard for remote telecom site monitoring.
• The two are fundamentally different.

Let's fix this. I'll show you how to integrate MODBUS gear into your SNMP-based monitoring system without writing custom software, ripping out existing devices, or wasting your budget.

You Have Two Protocols That Were Never Meant to Meet

MODBUS, developed in 1979, is the workhorse of industrial automation. It's used in:

• HVAC control systems
• Smart power meters
• Diesel generator controllers
• Factory PLCs
• Building automation panels

It's simple, effective, and widely adopted.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), on the other hand, is the king of network monitoring. It's used by:

• IT teams
• Telecom network operations centers (NOCs)
• ISPs and carriers
• Utilities with centralized alarm systems

If you're using something like HP OpenView, SolarWinds, or DPS T/Mon with the SNMP Trap Processor Module, you're using SNMP.

The core problem is that MODBUS and SNMP are fundamentally different in how they communicate.

Protocol	Architecture	Direction	Communication Style
MODBUS	Master-Slave	Polling	The master must ask for everything
SNMP	Manager-Agent	Event-based	Devices can send alarms proactively

This means your MODBUS gear won't send alarms unless something queries it. Your SNMP manager, meanwhile, expects traps and data updates from agents on its own schedule. NOTE: Some SNMP managers can poll via SNMP GET messages now, but this isn't the typical architecture.

That's why you can't just expect them to work nicely together without conversion.

Most Attempts at MODBUS to SNMP Integration Fail

Once people realize MODBUS and SNMP don't play nice, they typically try one of three things:

1. Manual Polling with a Laptop or MODBUS Software

This is the old-school approach. A tech drives to the site, plugs into a serial port, and uses custom software to read MODBUS registers. There are a few issues with this approach:

• Time-consuming - This ties up technicians with unnecessary trips.
• No alarms - You'll never know there's a problem unless someone checks manually.
• Dangerous lag - By the time you find out something is wrong, it's often already too late.

2. Build-Your-Own Software Bridge

Some IT teams try to write middleware that polls MODBUS and generates SNMP traps. Sometimes this works... for a little while.

But, in the end:

• You're not in the business of writing protocol bridges
• You have more important things to do than manage custom scripts
• Every MODBUS device is different - Register maps, scaling, and byte order vary wildly.

Keeping these homemade solutions running long-term is more trouble than it's worth.

3. Buy a Generic Industrial Protocol Gateway

This one sounds promising: Buy an off-the-shelf "protocol converter" box.

However, most of these are built for large SCADA systems and don't support your monitoring style:

• They're not built for SNMP-style alarms
• Configuration is complex and confusing
• They often don't support SNMP v3 (the only version that supports encrypted traps)
• They can't integrate smoothly with your existing alarm presentation (like T/Mon)

Even after setup, you end up with something that sort of works, but doesn't give you full visibility or actionable alerts.

You Need Real-Time, Reliable MODBUS Alarm Monitoring via SNMP

Let's hit pause on the frustration and think about your dream scenario:

• Your MODBUS devices stay right where they are.
  No forklift upgrades. No replacing perfectly functional equipment.
• Alarms from MODBUS gear show up just like SNMP alarms.
  Temperature too high? Breaker tripped? Fan stopped running? You see it instantly in your SNMP manager - T/Mon or anything else.
• Configuration is easy, web-based, and future-proof.
  You map MODBUS registers to SNMP traps. Set alarm thresholds. Name each point.
• The converter box does all the hard work.
  It polls your MODBUS devices on a schedule and fires off SNMP traps when values change or go out of range.

That's the power of protocol mediation done right. And that's exactly what the DPS MODBUS to SNMP Converter gives you.

Use a Purpose-Built MODBUS to SNMP Converter

At DPS Telecom, we've been building SNMP gear and protocol converters for 30+ years. The MODBUS to SNMP Converter is our answer to the MODBUS-SNMP gap that so many of our clients face.

This device is different from everything else out there:

Dual-Sided Protocol Support

• MODBUS RTU (RS-485) and MODBUS TCP/IP
• Polls up to 64 MODBUS slaves per converter
• Supports function codes 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, and 16

SNMP Output

• Sends SNMP traps to your manager (T/Mon, HP OpenView, SolarWinds, etc.)
• Supports SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and secure SNMPv3
• Includes full MIB for custom integration

Customizable Point Mapping

• Assign any MODBUS register to a named alarm point
• Set threshold values (for example, "> 85 F = High Temp Alarm")
• Choose severity levels and trap destinations

Web-Based Setup

• No special software needed
• Configure everything from your browser
• Built-in diagnostics, polling logs, and test tools

Industrial-Grade Hardware

• 19" rack-mount chassis or DIN-mount options
• Wide temperature range (-30 to +70 C)
• Designed for remote and unmanned sites

Field-Proven Reliability

• Used in telecom, electric utility, and transportation networks
• Backed by DPS's legendary tech support
• Manufactured in Fresno, California, USA

This isn't a general-purpose box that happens to support SNMP. It was built from the ground up for MODBUS-to-SNMP protocol mediation.

MODBUS-to-SNMP Mediation in Action

Suppose you have a MODBUS-capable HVAC unit in a remote hut. It outputs key data like:

• Temperature
• Compressor run time
• Alarm codes
• Fan speeds

You install a MODBUS to SNMP Converter nearby. It polls the MODBUS registers and maps them to SNMP alarms. Then, when the internal temperature crosses 85 F or the compressor fails, the converter sends an SNMP trap to your manager.

You get the alert in real time, so there's no need for a technician visit, manual checks, or surprises.

The same applies to:

• Generator panels
• Battery monitoring systems
• Smart breakers
• Power distribution units
• Any MODBUS slave device

Better Visibility Means Better Uptime

If you've spent any time managing remote infrastructure, you know this truth:

"The equipment that fails silently is the equipment that causes the most damage."

With the MODBUS to SNMP Converter, your MODBUS devices no longer operate in the dark. You bring them into your SNMP world. That means:

• You'll know what's happening - before it becomes a disaster
• You'll respond faster, reducing outages and damage
• You'll finally have complete monitoring visibility

It's not about just converting a protocol - it's about gaining control of your network.

Why Use DPS for MODBUS to SNMP Conversion?

There are dozens of vendors selling protocol converters. Choosing DPS means you work with an expert manufacturer who understands your needs.

We don't make power gear or HVAC units. We make monitoring gear. That's it.

Every DPS device - including the MODBUS to SNMP Converter - is built to help you monitor, control, and understand your remote sites.

You also get:

• Real engineering support from the people who build the product
• Custom tweaks, if you need something specific to your environment
• Free phone/email support for the life of the product
• Secure design that IT departments can trust
• Smooth integration with your existing DPS or third-party SNMP systems

When you call us, you won't get a call center. You'll talk to a live engineer who knows MODBUS, SNMP, and real-world deployments.

Ready to Bring MODBUS into Your SNMP World?

You can't afford blind spots in your network. MODBUS devices are reliable, but they need a translator to speak SNMP.

The MODBUS to SNMP Converter gives you that translation - without headaches, complex coding, or waiting for something to break before you find out.

If you're interested, here's what I can do for you:

• Walk you through a live demo
• Build a custom MODBUS register mapping
• Send you a detailed proposal with diagrams and pricing
• Help you plan a phased rollout (start small, scale fast)

Call me: 559-454-1600
Email: sales@dpstele.com

Whether you're monitoring 5 MODBUS devices or 500, I'll help you get complete visibility - on your terms, using the SNMP tools you already have.