The MIB, or Management Information Base, is an ASCII text file that describes Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) elements as a list of data objects. Think of it as a dictionary of the SNMP language - every managed object referred to in an SNMP message must be listed in the MIB.
The fundamental purpose of the MIB is to translate numerical strings into human-readable text. When an SNMP device sends a message or "trap," it identifies each data object in the message with a number string called an object identifier, or OID. (OIDs are defined more fully later in this paper.)
The MIB provides a text label called for each OID. Your SNMP manager uses the MIB as a codebook for translating the OID numbers into a human-readable display.
Your SNMP manager needs it in order to process messages from your devices. Without the MIB, the message is just a meaningless string of numbers.
Your SNMP manager imports it by compiling the raw ASCII text of the file into binary that the SNMP management system can understand.
Because as far as SNMP managers and agents are concerned, if a component of a network device isn't defined in the MIB, it doesn't exist.
For example, let's say you have an SNMP RTU (Remote Telemetry Unit) with a built-in temperature sensor. You think you'll get temperature alarms from this device - but you never do, no matter how hot it gets. Why not? You read the RTU's MIB file and find out that it only lists discrete points, and not the temperature sensor. Since the sensor isn't defined in the MIB, the RTU can't send traps with temperature data.
As you can see, the MIB is your best guide to the real capabilities of an SNMP device. Just looking at the physical components of a device won't tell you what kind of traps you can get from it. You might think it's strange that a manufacturer would add a component to a device and not describe it in the MIB. But the fact is, a lot of devices have sketchy MIBs that don't fully support all their functions.
When you're planning your SNMP monitoring, you need to be able to read MIBs so you can have a realistic idea of what capabilities you have. When you're evaluating new SNMP equipment, examine its MIB file carefully before you purchase.
NetGuardian 832A SNMP RTU (Remote Telemetry Unit)
Here are 5 essential features that your SNMP RTU (Remote Telemetry Unit) must have:
Download our free SNMP White Paper. Featuring SNMP Expert Marshall DenHartog.
This guidebook has been created to give you the information you need to successfully implement SNMP-based alarm monitoring in your network.
1-800-693-0351
Have a specific question? Ask our team of expert engineers and get a specific answer!
Sign up for the next DPS Factory Training!
Whether you're new to our equipment or you've used it for years, DPS factory training is the best way to get more from your monitoring.
Reserve Your Seat Today