SNMP

[Just Kennie]

I have a router on the network, and I use some tools (like whats up) to discover it, without configuring the snmp host XXXX, and other snmp parameters on the router. How come the software detect the router without snmp config on the router?? Whats is use to detect this router and its status.

[frattonfaithful]

FYI, You don't need to configure snmp hosts to enable snmp monitoring.

During the discovery process most mgmt tools ping and scan devices for open ports and running protocols. If a port is open it will interface with it. You'll be amazed at what you can get from a device just by initiating a connection to it. Even the device's MAC address can tell you something about the device.

Neighboring devices can also be enlisted to help determine what devices are on a network.

If an open port doesn't spill the beans the mgmt tool will make a best guess based on the info collected from all sources.