7.3. Non-SNMP Approaches
Of course, SNMP is not
the only way to retrieve information or monitor systems. For example,
a number of devices now have small HTTP servers built in that allow
remote configuration and management. These can be particularly
helpful in retrieving information. With Unix, it is possible to
remotely log on to a system using
telnet or
ssh over a network connection and reconfigure
the host. There is probably very little I can say about using these
approaches that you don't already know or that isn't
obvious. There is one thing that you undoubtedly know, but that is
all too easy to forget --
don't make any changes
that will kill your connection.
[33]
Some remote-access programs provide a
greater degree of control than others. In a Microsoft Windows
environment, where traditionally there is only one user on a system,
a remote control program may take complete control of the remote
system. On a multiuser system such as a Unix-based system, the same
software may simply create another session on the remote host.
Although these programs are not specifically designed with network
management in mind, they work well as management tools.
While these approaches will allow you to
actively retrieve information or reconfigure devices, the remote
systems are basically passive entities. There are, however, other
monitoring tools that you could consider.
Big
Brother (
bb) is one highly regarded
package. It is a web-based, multiplatform monitor. It is available
commercially and, for some uses, noncommercially.
 |  |  |
| 7.2. SNMP-Based Management Tools |  | 7.4. Microsoft Windows |
