Optimizing the Network Management System Configuration for the Best Results

You can modify your network management system configuration to optimize the response time for SNMP queries. This section contains a few tips on how you can configure the network management system for the best results:

• Change the Polling Method from Column-by-Column to Row-by-Row
• Reduce the Number of Variable Bindings per PDU
• Increase Timeout Values in Polling and Discovery Intervals
• Reduce Incoming Packet Rate at snmpd

Change the Polling Method from Column-by-Column to Row-by-Row

You can configure the network management system to use the row-by-row method for SNMP data polling. It has been proven than the row-by-row and multiple row-by-multiple row polling methods are more efficient than the column-by-column polling. By configuring the network management system to use the row-by-row data polling method, you can ensure that data for only one interface is polled in a request instead of a single request polling data for multiple interfaces as is the case with column-by-column polling. This also reduces the risk of requests timing out.

Reduce the Number of Variable Bindings per PDU

By reducing the number of variable bindings per PDU, you can improve the response time for SNMP requests. A request that poll for data related to multiple objects, which are mapped to different index entries, translates into multiple requests at the device-end as the subagent may have to poll different modules to obtain data that are linked to different index entries. The recommended method is to ensure that a request has only objects that are linked to one index entry instead of multiple objects linked to different index entries.

Note: If responses from a device are slow, avoid using the GetBulk option for the device, as a GetBulk request may contain objects that are linked to various index entries and may further increase the response time.

Increase Timeout Values in Polling and Discovery Intervals

By increasing the timeout values for polling and discovery intervals, you can increase the queueing time at the device end and reduce the number of throttle drops that happen because of the request timing out.

Reduce Incoming Packet Rate at snmpd

By reducing the frequency of sending SNMP requests to a device, you can reduce the risk of SNMP requests piling up at any particular device. Apart from reducing the frequency of sending SNMP requests to a device, you can also increase the polling interval, control the use of GetNext requests, and reduce the number of polling stations per device.

Related Topics

• Configuring Options on Managed Devices for Better SNMP Response Time
• Configuring SNMP on Devices Running Junos OS
• Managing Traps and Informs
• Monitoring SNMP Activity and Tracking Problems That Affect SNMP Performance on a Device Running Junos OS
• Understanding SNMP Implementation in Junos OS
• Using the Enterprise-Specific Utility MIB to Enhance SNMP Coverage