SNMP
The Simple Network Management Protocol is a widely used network monitoring and
control protocol. Data is passed from SNMP agents, who report activity in each
network device (hub, router, bridge, etc.) to the workstation console used to
oversee the network. The agents return information contained in a MIB
(Management Information Base), which is a data structure that defines what is obtainable
from the device and what can be controlled (turned off, on, etc.). Originating
in the Unix community, SNMP has become widely used on all major platforms.