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What is the purpose of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) in network management?

  1. To encrypt network data

  2. To gather statistics from network devices

  3. To provide file sharing services

  4. To manage VoIP sessions

The correct answer is: To gather statistics from network devices

The purpose of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) in network management is to gather statistics from network devices. SNMP is a standard protocol used for managing devices on IP networks, allowing network administrators to monitor and control network performance. It accomplishes this by facilitating the collection of data related to device status, performance metrics, and traffic information from routers, switches, and other network appliances. This procedural gathering of information helps in maintaining optimal network operations, identifying issues before they escalate, and supporting informed decision-making regarding network configurations and resource allocations. SNMP operates using agents on network devices that communicate with a central management system, sending and receiving management data effectively. Other options relate to functions that are not within the scope of SNMP. For example, SNMP does not handle encryption of network data, which is typically managed by other protocols designed specifically for security purposes. Additionally, while file sharing services are handled by protocols like SMB or FTP, they do not fall under SNMP’s functionality. Lastly, SNMP is also not responsible for managing VoIP sessions; this is generally handled by protocols designed for real-time communication, such as RTP (Real-Time Protocol) or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).