SNMP Probes

type="custom-snmp"

SNMP probes allow you to monitor certain MIB variables that are not tested by Intermapper's built-in probes. These MIB variables can include the CPU utilization of a router, temperature inside the equipment, switch closures, and so on.

SNMP probes are invoked and return the status and condition string for the device being tested. The following is a summary of the operational flow of an SNMP probe:

  1. Intermapper polls the device for the values, called probe variables, specified in the probe file as well as the device's built-in MIB variables (usually byte and packet rates for interfaces).
  2. Intermapper polls each interface for probe variables as needed.
  3. Intermapper evaluates a series of expressions in the probe file, comparing the probe variables to thresholds.
  4. If a comparison is triggered (generally, if the probe variable is above or below the specified threshold), then Intermapper sets the device status as specified in the probe if it is worse than the devices current status.
  5. When you click and hold a device, Intermapper processes the relevant display section to produce the text for the Status window.

Common Sections of an SNMP Probe

SNMP probes follow the same general format as other probe files. The sections are as follows:

  • The <header> section of the command-line probe specifies the probe type, name, and other properties that are fundamental to the operation of the probe.
  • The <description> section specifies the help text that appears in the Set Probe window. Format the description using IMML Intermapper's Markup language.
  • The <parameters> section defines the fields displayed in the Set Probe window.

Sections Specific to SNMP Probes

<header>
  type = "custom-snmp"
</header>
NOTE:

See SNMP Trap Probes for information on creating probes that handle SNMP traps.

Each SNMP probe also includes the following: