A multilayer-architecture for SNMP-based, distributed and hierarchical management of local area networks

In 'traditional' SNMP-management, the management task is divided into two layers: agents and managers. The agents provide management data that is read out and processed by the manager. In this paper this architecture is expanded by an intermediate layer. Preprocessors an introduced which behave like a manager in the view of an agent and behave like an agent in the view of a manager. They read out the information in the MIBs of the agents, process it and make it available to the manager in another MIB. The preprocessors offer frequently used network management functions with a standardized interface to ease the workload of management applications. Traffic on the network caused by the management is reduced as well. The realization of such preprocessors is shown in an example for a MIB providing statistics, limit surveillance, history and prognosis functionality.