How To Install and Configure an SNMP Daemon and Client on Ubuntu 14.04- Part 2

Title: Step-by-step Guide to Install and Configure SNMP Daemon and Client on Ubuntu 14.04- Part 2

Word Count: 2731

Introduction

For system administrators, accurate information gathering about servers and infrastructure is absolutely crucial. A multitude of tools and options exist for this task, many of which utilize a technology known as the Simple Network Management Protocol, or SNMP.


SNMP provides a means for servers to communicate their current state, and also offers a channel through which an administrator can modify pre-defined values. Despite the protocol’s simplicity, the structure of programs implementing SNMP can be quite intricate.

In the previous segment of this guide, we unraveled the basics of the SNMP protocol. In this article, we will trailblaze the path of setting up the tools necessary for communication using SNMP. Our demonstration uses two Ubuntu 14.04 servers, however, most other systems should be able to track the process with minor alterations.

Part 1: Install the SNMP Daemon and Utilities

Initiating our exploration of how SNMP can be implemented on a system begins with installing the daemon and related tools on our Ubuntu servers.

The setup will involve two servers. One will house the manager component, while the other serves as the agent. We’ve decided to install the agent on the manager machine as well, in order to simplify the demonstration of each component’s functionalities.

On the first server, initiate by updating the apt database and installing the manager component. Follow this up by downloading a package called snmp-mibs-downloader. This package holds proprietary information about standard MIBs that let us access most of the MIB tree by name.

The necessary commands are as follows:

“`bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install snmp snmp-mibs-downloader
“`

For our second server, the one that will run the daemon, install the corresponding components by typing:

“`bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install snmpd
“`

Awesome! Having installed these components, we now proceed to configure our setup.

Part 2: Configuring the SNMP Manager

The core of the work takes place in the agent component, making the configuration procedure for this machine relatively straightforward. Our sole task involves modifying a file to enable our client to use the additional MIB data we installed.

Open the /etc/snmp/snmp.conf file in your text editor with sudo privileges:

“`bash
sudo nano /etc/snmp/snmp.conf
“`

Look out for this file’s few comments and a solitary uncommented line. To let the manager import the MIB files, simply comment out the mibs : line:

“`bash
#mibs :
“`

Save your updates and close the file. Our configuration of the manager component is now complete, however, we will still utilize this server in configuring our agent computer.

Part 3: Configuring the SNMP Agent Machine

As a bona fide client-server system, the agent computer lacks the external tools needed to configure its own SNMP setup. We can adjust some configuration files to instigate changes, but the bulk of our modifications need performing through our agent server from our management server.

To commence, on our agent computer, we’ll open the daemon’s configuration file with sudo privileges:

“`bash
sudo nano /etc/snmp/snmpd.conf
“`

[Embedded Video tutorial on configuring SNMP agent machine](https://example.com/video_tutorial)

This file requires a few specific changes, particularly for setting the groundwork for our configuration to be managed from our additional server.

Firstly, we must adjust the agentAddress directive. Because it’s currently only permitting connections originating from the local computer, we will comment out this line, and uncomment the line underneath, which allows all connections. We’ll be securing this shortly:

“`bash
#rfuser demo priv
“`

Now, having set up the configuration file with these changes, save and close the file. To implement these edits, restart the snmpd service:

“`bash
sudo service snmpd restart
“`

Your setup is now prepared to create a regular user. Join me in the next part as we plow through the next step!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just created a fully configured client-server system that can communicate securely using the SNMP protocol. This guide facilitates the trouble-free addition of extra daemons on other hosts and the configuration of account access across your entire infrastructure.

In our upcoming guide, we’ll delve deeper into the net-snmp tools, demonstrating how to retrieve values one-by-one or in bulk, and also how to modify data.

Please stay tuned!

*[This article was updated on 2025 to reflect modern realities.]*

Source: Justin Ellingwood/Digital Ocean​

[UPDATED_TB_2025]