Located on the Administration tab of the Properties window for a device, the SNMP Community String Parameters panel provides the ability to configure:
- The Read Community string parameter
- The Write Community string parameter
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Read Community | The SNMP read community string. When a discovered device is added to the SDM as a managed object, the Read Community string is based on the value provided in the firmware, if found to be valid; otherwise, the value is used to discover the device. |
Write Community | The SNMP write community string. When a discovered device is added to the SDM as a managed object, the Write Community string is based on the custom string provided by the firmware, or by the system default value for that devices type. |
The Read Community string and Write Community string are used to communicate with a device. The default Read and Write community strings for a device are defined by the device firmware release. The SDM can detect the default strings in the firmware of a device, so when a device is upgraded, the SDM can communicate seamlessly with the device, even if the default community strings change.
The SDM also provides the ability to customize the Read and Write community strings which it uses to communicate with the device. However, the SDM cannot be used to modify the community strings which are actually configured on the device itself. To modify the community strings which are configured on the device, you must typically use the device Element Manager. Some devices also allow the community strings to be configured using another method, such as a Command-Line Interface.
Changing the Read community string or Write community string for a given device is a two-part process:
- Modify the community string(s) used by the device, using the device EM or other method supported by the device. Different devices may support varying methods, so consult the CRU and/or installation/operating instructions for the device.
- Modify the community string(s) used by the SDM to communicate with the device: