Administration Guide

Adding SNMP Credentials

SNMP credentials is a record containing SNMP settings needed to access networked devices that are not computers, e.g. printers, scanners, routers, etc.

You can create multiple credential records and use them as needed for the Direct Network Scan of various network segments. On the first run of the Quick Start Wizard you can provide SNMP credentials, which will be saved as the first option.

INFO: For details on the first audit with the Quick Start Wizard, see Quick Start with Alloy Discovery.

To add a record for SNMP credentials:

  1. Select Audit > Audit Settings from the main menu. The Audit Settings dialog box opens.
  2. Using the navigation bar, navigate to Audit Credentials.
  3. Click New > SNMP. The [Credentials Name] dialog box opens.

  4. Specify SNMP settings as follows:

    NOTE: Alloy Discovery supports SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3. You can specify the credentials in both the Version v1/v2c and Version v3 sections. During the audit, Alloy Discovery will use the appropriate credentials depending on the SNMP version specified in network node properties for each device.

    • Under Version v1/v2c, type in the community string in the Community field.

      IMPORTANT: Most SNMPv1-v2c equipment ships with the community string set to "public". However, it is standard practice for system administrators to change community strings so that outsiders cannot see information about the internal network.

    • Under Version v3, specify the following information for SNMPv3, which has user-based security:
      1. Type in the user name.
      2. Select the security level:
        • No Authentication, No Privacy — Uses a username for authentication and transmits credentials in clear text.
        • Authentication, No Privacy — Provides packet authentication and message integrity, but no encryption. Select the authentication algorithm (MD5 or SHA) in the Protocol list and type in the passphrase.
        • Authentication, Privacy Provides the maximal security by combining authentication, message integrity, and encryption. Under Authentication, choose an authentication algorithm (MD5 or SHA) and type in the pass phrase. Under Privacy, select the encryption algorithm (DES or AES) and type in the passphrase.
  5. Specify a unique name that Alloy Discovery will use to identify this credentials record. By default, the Name field is initialized with the community name or user name. You can keep this auto-generated value, or enter another name for the credentials.
  6. Click OK.

You have the flexibility to use SNMP credentials for an entire network segment or to override this setting credentials for individual network devices.