SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is an internet standard used to monitor and manage network devices connected via IP. It enables communication between various network components such as routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, servers, printers, CCTV cameras, and more.
Atera includes a built-in SNMP module that assists in device monitoring and provides alerts for any abnormalities or issues detected.
Q: What is the cost of the SNMP module?
A: The SNMP module is included in every Atera subscription at no additional charge.
Q: What is required to monitor a device using SNMP in Atera?
A: To monitor a device using SNMP in Atera, you need:
A monitoring agent (a Windows device with the Atera agent installed) on the same subnet as the SNMP device
The device’s OIDs (Object Identifiers)
SNMP enabled on the device with port 161 open
Matching SNMP version and community string between the agent and device
Refer to the following articles for setup:
Q: What is a monitoring agent?
A: A monitoring agent is a Windows machine with the Atera agent installed. It must be on the same network subnet as the SNMP device in order to collect and monitor SNMP data.
Q: What is an OID and how do I find it for my device?
A: An OID (Object Identifier) is a unique ID representing a specific measurable parameter on an SNMP device (e.g., CPU usage, temperature, or toner level).
You can find OIDs by:
Contacting the device manufacturer
Searching online
Using Atera’s built-in AI OID Generator
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Exploring the Shared SNMP Template Library
Q: How do I add an SNMP device for monitoring?
A:
Go to New > Monitored device > SNMP.
Enter the device details (IP, type, port, version, community string).
Assign a monitoring agent on the same subnet.
Add the relevant OIDs for the metrics you want to monitor.
Q: Which types of devices can be monitored using SNMP in Atera?
A: Any device that supports SNMP can be monitored with Atera, including:
Routers and switches
Servers (Windows, Linux, UNIX)
Firewalls and security appliances
Printers and scanners
Wireless access points
Storage devices (NAS, SAN)
Virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V)
Power distribution units (PDUs)
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Environmental monitoring systems
CCTV cameras
IoT devices
Q: Which SNMP versions does Atera support?
A: Atera supports SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3.
Q: Which ports need to be enabled for SNMP to function with Atera?
A: SNMP requires port 161 (UDP) to be open on the target device and accessible from the monitoring agent.
Q: Does Atera support SNMP traps or just polling?
A: Atera currently supports SNMP polling only. SNMP traps are not supported.
Q: Which encryption methods are supported for SNMP communication?
A: SNMPv3 in Atera supports SHA1 and MD5 encryption algorithms.
Q: Can I use templates for SNMP device monitoring?
A: Yes. You can create and customize SNMP templates for different device types (e.g., “Printer Monitoring Template” or “Switch Monitoring Template”).
You can also share templates or download community templates via Atera’s Shared SNMP Template Library.
Q: Is it possible to clone OIDs or reuse templates across devices?
A: Yes. You can clone existing SNMP templates and apply them to new devices. Bulk uploading SNMP devices is not supported, but templates make setup faster and consistent.
Q: Can SNMP devices on different subnets be monitored by the same agent?
A: No. Both the SNMP device and the monitoring agent must be on the same subnet. Cross-subnet SNMP monitoring is not supported.
Q: How often does Atera poll SNMP devices for data?
A: Atera polls SNMP devices and their OID values every 2 minutes.
Q: How do I set up alerts for SNMP devices?
A: After adding OIDs, you can define thresholds for the metrics you’re monitoring.
When an OID value crosses a defined threshold, Atera generates an alert, which can be viewed in the console and configured for email delivery in your user profile.
Q: What should I do if my SNMP device shows as offline or isn’t responding?
A:
Verify that the monitoring agent is online and on the same subnet.
Ensure SNMP is enabled and port 161 is open.
Confirm the correct community string and version are used.
Test connectivity using tools such as Paessler SNMP Tester.
Q: Can I monitor non-traditional or IoT devices via SNMP?
A: Yes. As long as the device supports SNMP, Atera can monitor it — including IoT devices, cameras, and other smart systems.
Q: Can SNMP device alerts trigger automated scripts or workflows?
A: No. Automated scripts and workflows can only be triggered by agent-installed (Windows/Mac/Linux) devices, not SNMP-monitored devices.
Q: Are there any limits to the number of SNMP devices or OIDs I can monitor?
A: There are no strict limits, but it’s recommended to monitor only essential OIDs and devices to reduce system load and avoid false alerts.
Q: How do I export SNMP device data or alert history for reporting?
A: You can export SNMP device data and alert history using Atera’s Advanced Reports or through the Atera API (to Excel, CSV, or other formats).
Q: What are the minimum requirements for an SNMP-managed device?
A:
SNMP enabled and configured
Port 161 open
SNMP community string set (for v1/v2c) or authentication for v3
Same subnet as an online Windows monitoring agent with the Atera agent installed
Q: Can I monitor the same SNMP device from multiple agents or sites?
A: No. Each SNMP device can be monitored by one agent at a time. To switch, reassign the device within the Atera console.
Q: Can I receive SNMP alerts via SMS or Slack?
A: Atera does not natively support SMS or Slack notifications. However, integration for these channels is possible via the Atera API, though such setup is not supported by Atera Support.
