Simple network management protocol (SNMP) is a communication protocol between the SNMP client (for example, a workstation) and the SNMP agent (management software that executes on a remote device including hosts, routers, X terminals, and so on). The SNMP client queries the SNMP agent, that provides information to the client regarding the device's status. The SNMP agent controls a database called the SNMP Management Information Base (MIB), a standard set of statistical and control values. SNMP allows the extension of these standard values with values specific to a particular device.

This chapter contains the following information about using SNMP with ESX Server:

• Using SNMP to Monitor the Computer Running ESX Server
• Setting Up and Installing for ESX Server SNMP
• Configuring the ESX Server Agent
• Configuring SNMP
• Using SNMP with Guest Operating Systems
• VMware ESX Server SNMP Variables