What do we know about SNMP?

What do we know about SNMP?

First of all let’s clarify what this abbreviation stands for. SNMP stands for “Simple Network Management Protocol”, it is an internet-standard protocol, which collects and organizes information on managed devices on IP networks in order to modify that information to change device behavior. The main application of SNMP is in network management for network monitoring.

Surely, it is a real challenge to manage large network with many nodes without a large staff to monitor every computer. With the help of SNMP or network system monitoring you can monitor network nodes from a management host. You get the chance to monitor network devices, such as workstations, printers, routers etc. All you should do is to install SNMP on the network device you intend to monitor.

Scan SNMP enables network devices by entering IP ranges to be scanned. Each device possesses its own unique webpage listing device details such as name, MAC, IP address, vendor, model and serial number. Device specific information is also scanned in the form of a complete network interface for switches and routers or toner information for printers. In order to identify your devices MAC addresses are used. If IP changes occur, your device entries are simply updated.

More possibilities

1. You can make manual changes as well

Nowadays modern technologies allow users to conduct information scanning automatically, but sometimes manual editing and adding entries become necessary as well. It is possible to edit manually a single asset or to change the information for multiple at a time. You can surf to any device's webpage and edit its scan results.

2. Access device overviews

The SNMP inventory overview helps you find easily the devices you are searching for. You can custom sort devices by IP range or look for specific devices.

3. Track the statuses

SNMP scanning retrieves toner information on your printers, and let’s admit that it is quite a valuable feature in busy office environments. Built-in reports are available to notify you of printers low on toner which in turn enables you to order new cartridges and schedule maintenances.

What is SDN (security-defined networking)

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an approach to computer networking that allows network administrators to manage network services through abstraction of lower-level functionality.

Originally, SDN focused solely on separation of the control plane of the network, which makes decisions about how packets should flow through the network from the data plane of the network, which actually moves packets from place to place.
Here is standard SDN framework:

We are using SDN, because of:

• Direct Programming;

• Centralized Management;

• Reduce CapEx;

• Reduce OpEX;

• Deliver Agility and Flexibility.

SDN delivers speed and agility when deploying new applications and business services.

Forward networks and network protection

A team of PHD researchers from Stanford University, launched their new startup - Forward Networks, that help users understand network behavior while protecting and predicting how changes will impact the system.

There are 3 applications:

-Forward Search: Erickson describes it as a “Google search for your network.” It creates an inventory of all possible routes that traffic can take in the network. Previously this would be done through a cumbersome manual process of mapping packet flows or using a ping and trace routes. Forward Search allows users to precisely examine how traffic is flowing within their network between any two points.

-Forward Verify: This application explores whether the network is doing what it is supposed to be doing. It can test policies, such as isolation zones, which applications communicate with one another and even lower-level network “hygiene” policies related to optimized traffic flows.

-Forward Predict: This feature lets network engineers test a change they want to implement in their network in this software copy of the network before it is rolled into the production environment.

Will it change our ways to work with networks? If they will realize all these ideas, I think - yes. 

11 Best Google Chrome Extensions

11 Best Google Chrome Extensions to Make Life Easier

If  you want to browse the net safely and easily, try Google Chrome! It’s able to make your browsing experience really awesome. Just try those browser add-ons, including password managers, in-tab dating sites and discount hunters. They do give some freedom, don’t they? The best part: they’re completely free.

1. LastPass

LastPass is a password manager that keeps your accounts secure and makes you free from filling out endless passwords. All you need to remember is one master password to your LastPass account and the chrome extension will do the rest.

2. Pocket

Pocket helps you save articles from your browser to your phone or tablet so you’ll be able to read them later. You just click ‘Add to Pocket’ and the extension saves automatically an offline version that you may access on the go.

3. Honey

Chrome extension Honey looks for discount codes, promotions, free shipping deals that you can apply to buy as you do online shopping. Just hit the Honey button before you check out and see the price of your order drop.

4. Genius Web Annotator

This extension allows you to add commentary to any page on the internet. You may read other people’s Genius commentaries for context or helpful asides, including those from verified journalists and its News Genius extension.

5. Tab Dating

Tab Dating offers you a potential match every time you open a new tab. You may browse this extension even when you’re at work. Currently, Tab Dating is available to people who live only in London.

6. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop allows you to access your work computer when you’re at home or vice versa.

7. Grammarly

Grammarly is aimed for those who have distinct problems with writing. It’s a dictionary plug in that claims to find and fix up to 10 times more mistakes than a normal word processor.

8. Mighty Text

If you use Migty text, you can text Android phone numbers from your Chrome browser. The extension works a bit like iMessage on Mac or WhatsApp Web for android text messages.

9. Evernote Web Clipper

You may send web pages to Evernote with the app’s Web Clipper. Websites, articles and notes can be read later with its save button.

10. Wikiwand

Update Wikipedia’s decades-old look with Wikiwand for an easier reading experience.

11. HoverZoom+

When HoverZoom+ is enabled on your browser simply hover your mouse over images to blow them up to their full size. Compatible websites include Amazon. Facebook, Flickr and Pinterest.