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TNS Policies
Policy for SNMP Polling of the PSU Integrated Backbone
Telecommunications and Networking Services is concerned with the degree of "openness" of the network equipment comprising the Integrated Backbone (IB). Allowing anyone to poll the switches and routers for information using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) commands might at times assist users with troubleshooting, it also presents a network security and performance risk.
The Network Planning and Integration group within TNS has implemented Cricket software that graphically depicts the packet traffic on a per port basis for each router. This should provide most of Penn State's network administrators with the information they need to perform their job. In conjunction with the rollout of this software, SNMP access from the public community will be prohibited.
From that time forward SNMP privileges will be allowed on an as-needed basis, provided certain guidelines are adhered to. SNMP access to IB networking equipment will only be allowed from one designated IP address per Integrated Backbone customer account once the following guidelines concerning SNMP usage are agreed to:
- SNMP queries will only be performed for problem determination and troubleshooting.
- SNMP queries will not be used for routine performance monitoring.
- SNMPwalks of Integrated Backbone equipment is discouraged. Use of direct SNMP queries is encouraged wherever possible.
- SNMP will only be used to gather information from equipment ports that are directly involved with the problem under investigation.
I agree to use SNMP only in the manners stated and that failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in the revoking of all SNMP access to IB equipment.
| Signed: | _____________________________________ |
| Please Print | _____________________________________ |
| Email address: | _____________________________________ |
| SNMP from IP address: | _____________________________________ |
| Date | _____________________________________ |
This policy and the list of signatories with their associated privileged IP address will be reviewed at the end of each Spring Semester. New forms will be sent out at that time for new signatures.
Return this completed form to:
Manager, Internetwork Engineering
119P USB2
PSU
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Last revised:
07/27/07