# Getting started with SNMP configuration for Security Engines

Security Engines can send SNMP traps to a central network monitoring system when system events occur, such as when a test fails.

SNMP Agent elements define the settings according to which the Security Engines send SNMP trap messages to compatible external software. The same SNMP Agent can be used by multiple Security Engines and by the SMC Appliance.

The SNMP Agent supports SNMPv1 (RFC1157), SNMPv2c (RFCs 1901 and 3416), and SNMPv3 (RFC 3414). See the documentation of the receiving software for information about which version to use.

The MIB files are included in the Mibs folder in the SMC installation package for all platforms (smc_<version>_<build>.zip). For descriptions of the MIBs, see the MIB files.

Configuring SNMP for Security Engines consists of these general steps:

1. Create an SNMP Agent element.
2. Configure the SNMP Agent element for SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, or SNMPv3.
3. Define what triggers SNMP traps.
4. Activate the SNMP Agent on the Security Engines.
5. Configure Engine access rules to allow SNMP queries from trusted SNMP managers.