Using SNMP to monitor and query a library

The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) enables the tape library to exchange information over a TCP/IP network with an SNMP manager running systems management software, such as Netview®.

Trap monitoring

The tape library sends alerts (called "traps") to the SNMP manager when specific conditions or events occur.

After a trap is received, it must be interpreted. Traps can be interpreted manually or by using an SNMP compiler with a management information base (MIB) to format the trap information in human-readable form.

Traps are grouped by severity level (informational, error, or warning). The trap IDs are defined in list of error codes.

Library queries

The tape library responds to requests from the SNMP manager for information, such as the library configuration, installed drives, and cartridges.