The agents relate to the configuration and performance characteristics of a managed device as separate identifiable objects. SNMP agents constitute the software elements that interface with the device being managed.
SNMP management systems consist of an SNMP management station (SNMP Manager, NMS) and the managed devices (that run SNMP Agents).
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a widely used protocol for monitoring the health and welfare of network equipment (e.g., routers), computer equipment and even devices like UPSs.