Remote control of diverse network elements using SNMP

The Global Network Management System (GNMS) implements monitor and control of diverse, remote systems via the simple network management protocol (SNMP). A typical GNMS effort brings remote monitoring and control via common off-the-shelf (COTS) network management system (NMS) software to a subsystem that was not designed for such control. Examples are individual radios, antenna systems, DRSN switches, etc. Some systems, such as individual radios, are conceptually simple to control and may have well defined computer interfaces. Other systems, such as shipboard satellite communication and antenna control systems, do not readily fit into the network management model implicit in the definition of SNMP. Remotely managing a variety of systems with widely varying control and monitoring requirements raises serious complexity issues. Innovative management information base (MIB) design, abstraction of proxy agent functions, and attention to operator interface design provide the key to reliable monitor and control of complex systems using the currently standard SNMP.