What is the purpose of SNMP?

• A. To manage and monitor network devices
• B. To encrypt directory services
• C. To initialize voice sessions
• D. To assign IP addresses

Answer: (A)

SNMP is used to manage and monitor network devices from a central system. It lets a manager query devices (via agents on the devices) to read status, performance, and configuration data stored in MIBs, and it can receive alerts (traps) when something needs attention. This combination—collecting metrics, monitoring health, and enabling alerts from a centralized point—is exactly what SNMP is designed for.

The other options describe functions from different areas: encrypting directory services isn't what SNMP does, initializing voice sessions is the role of signaling protocols for voice, and assigning IP addresses is handled by DHCP.