CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What does SNMP stand for?

1. Simple Network Management Protocol

2. Secure Network Management Protocol

3. Standard Network Measurement Protocol

4. Simple Network Monitoring Protocol

The correct answer is: Simple Network Management Protocol

SNMP stands for Simple Network Management Protocol. It is a widely used protocol for managing devices on IP networks, primarily in monitoring and controlling network hardware, such as routers, switches, and servers. The term "Simple" reflects its straightforward design, allowing for easy implementation and use in managing network components efficiently. The primary goal of SNMP is to enable network administrators to collect and organize information about managed devices on the network, such as device status, performance metrics, and error information, all of which contribute to effective network management. By adhering to standardized data formats, SNMP facilitates interoperability between different manufacturers' equipment. Other options, while they contain similar terms, do not reflect the correct definition of SNMP. The term "Secure Network Management Protocol" suggests an emphasis on security that is not inherent to SNMP without additional enhancements. "Standard Network Measurement Protocol" does not accurately capture the purpose of SNMP, which is more about management than measurement. Finally, "Simple Network Monitoring Protocol" misrepresents the function of SNMP; while monitoring is a key aspect, it also involves management capabilities such as configuration changes and performance tuning.