agent

• As defined in the SNMP architecture, an agent or an SNMP server is responsible for performing the network management functions requested by the network management stations.

• A role that management programs can assume when dealing with managed objects. A management program assuming an agent role receives requests from and sends notifications to managers (management application programs) or other agents.

• A system that assumes such a role. System here can mean an operating system or some other programming hardware, or microcode (including licensed internal code) support that represents a set of resources.

• A management program that represents one or more managed objects. An agent receives and services requests for operations and attributes, which are defined for the managed objects it represents. Also, an agent is responsible for emitting notifications (special messages) when it detects conditions in the managed object that require attention.

• In the TCP/IP environment, a process running on a network node that responds to requests and sends information.