Final answer:
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol for collecting information about the status and performance of devices on a network, aiding in centralized network management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol for collecting information like status and performance about devices on a network. It is widely used for network management. SNMP works by sending protocol data units (PDUs) to different parts of a network. Network administrators can use SNMP to monitor network-attached devices for conditions that warrant attention.
SNMP has a few key components such as a managed device, an agent, and a network management system (NMS). A managed device is a part of the network that requires some form of monitoring and management (e.g., routers, switches, servers, workstations). The agent is the software component within the managed device that communicates with the NMS. The NMS executes the applications that monitor and control managed devices. SNMP is particularly useful because it enables centralized management of network devices and reduces the amount of time and effort required to manage a complex network.