SNMP

Other Related Topics...

The FaxPress server’s SNMP option, once enabled, allows network administrators to use third-party SNMP applications for extensive management and control of the FaxPress server. The FaxPress server’s built-in SNMP agent allows these SNMP monitoring applications to monitor the status of the FaxPress units, and also remotely manage and configure FaxPress server parameters. In addition to monitoring unit and line status, administrators can also use their SNMP tools to reconfigure or reset FaxPress units from a remote location.

The FaxPress server’s SNMP password protection makes sure all SNMP monitoring and managing transactions are secure. In addition to SNMP monitoring and managing, FaxPress also supports alarming, which generates an alarm message when the number of failed faxes rises above a pre-configured threshold.

Using SNMP and FaxPress

FaxPress supports SNMP reading and writing, as well as alarming (traps). The FaxPress server’s SNMP read capability allows the administrator’s SNMP utility to monitor FaxPress server parameters such as outgoing queue status or the number of failed faxes. The FaxPress server’s SNMP write capability lets the administrator’s SNMP utility set certain values on the FaxPress. A FaxPress unit’s server settings could, for example, be configured using an SNMP application rather than using the FaxPress application. The FaxPress server’s SNMP alarm capability alerts the network administrator as soon as a problem or usage condition occurs. If FaxPress or another device detects a problem, it can send an alarm (called a trap) to the SNMP application alerting the operator that there is a possible problem.

Some Variables Monitored Via SNMP

SNMP tools can be used to monitor a wide range of FaxPress server settings and functions, including:

Some Variables Controlled Via SNMP

SNMP tools can be used to control a wide range of FaxPress server settings and functions, including:

Alarming Via SNMP

FaxPress can send a trap (alarm) via SNMP based on the percentage of failed fax calls during the most recent 32 calls. This alarm catches line problems, hardware problems and possible software problems. The acceptable percentage level before alarm is configurable via SNMP as well. An alarm exists forach line, so a four port FaxPress could have different threshold levels and different trap messages for each line.

Third-Party SNMP Utilities

SNMP monitoring and management software is required to use the FaxPress server’s SNMP option. Industry standard SNMP management utilities will allow the administrator to zoom out and get an overall view of the entire network, including routers, servers, hubs and FaxPress units, or zoom in to look at certain parameters such as FaxPress line status. Some SNMP tools may also allow you to collect and graph information from SNMP devices.

Some SNMP application software tested and recommended by Castelle include:

Castelle has also tested and recommends a free multi-functional Windows GUI-based network and SNMP tool:

FaxPress MIB

Before the third-party SNMP utility can access the FaxPress, faxpress.mib must be compiled into the SNMP management software. The FaxPress MIB is located in the Administration Tools directory after the Castelle FaxPress Administration client is installed.

SNMP functions supported by FaxPress MIB include: