SNMP data retrieval changes

We have been working on a completely new system of SNMP data retrieval from devices in the system (versions 5.13 and 5.14).

There are two main reasons for this change:

• The original system did not use the system resources efficiently.
• Integration of a new system of alerts and graphs

The implementation of the new SNMP data retrieval system brings with itself the following changes:

• From version 5.14 beta1 on, it will be possible to specify an SNMP version and port for each device type individually. As part of the preparations for this change, we already made a few modifications in version 5.13. These might have caused the system to use SNMP version 2 and the standard port for devices connected to routers. In the latest version (5.13 stable), this issue is resolved. The SNMP parameters remain the same as the original ones, which means that the system uses such an SNMP version and port that accord with the template and the exact type. If you are experiencing a problem with graph plotting, upgrade to the stable version (one more time).
• The second important change is that the system uses a more powerful SNMP data retrieval engine. Formerly, utilities connected to snmpwalk were used. Those were able to handle OIDs that were not defined exactly. In such cases, they found a subordinate OID that worked and retrieved the data. However, as a result, the system resources were not utilized efficiently. Now it is necessary to enter an exact specification of a particular OID. Consequently, the system might not be able to retrieve certain values because there is a “0” missing from the end of OIDs. If this occurs, please modify the relevant device SNMP template. Example: Instead of “.1.3.6.1.4.1.12654.1.4.3.2.1.1.1” enter “.1.3.6.1.4.1.12654.1.4.3.2.1.1.1.0”. In the upcoming version, we will try to ensure backward compatibility so that the system can handle even the incorrectly specified OIDs. At this point, it is necessary to proceed as described above.
• The third change concerns the SNMP test feature. For historical reasons, the test was utilized to retrieve SNMP version 1 data using the snmpwalk method. The relevant SNMP template was then modified based on the output. The feature was not supposed to check whether a particular SNMP template worked or not. It only checked the output of a particular OID from the given device. In the upcoming version, we will rework the feature so that the SNMP test works the same as the SNMP data retrieval for graphs and alerts. It will thus be possible to use it to check whether a particular SNMP template works or not.