Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a network protocol used to manage TCP/IP networks. In Windows, the SNMP service -- also known as the SNMP agent -- is used to provide status information about an SNMP host on a TCP/IP network.

SNMP management systems can request the contact person, system location, and network services for this computer by sending an SNMP request.

SNMP Agent controls

Contact: Provides a location for you to type the name of the person who administers this computer.

Location: Provides a location for you to type the physical location of the computer (for example, the building and office number).

Service: There are five service-based options from which to choose. SNMP agents provide information about the SNMP host to the SNMP management system:

  • Physical: Specifies whether this computer manages physical devices, such as a hard disk.

  • Applications: Specifies whether this computer uses any applications that send data using TCP/IP.

  • Datalink and subnetwork: Specifies whether this computer manages a bridge.

  • Internet: Specifies whether this computer is an IP gateway (router).

  • End-to-end: Specifies whether this computer is an IP host.

Additional references

For more information about SNMP, see Simple Network Management Protocol in TCP/IP Fundamentals for Windows in the Microsoft TechNet Technical Library at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=66006.