Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What type of protocol is Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)?

1. Application layer protocol

2. Transport layer protocol

3. Internet layer protocol

4. Network layer protocol

The correct answer is: Application layer protocol

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is indeed classified as an application layer protocol. It is designed to facilitate the management and monitoring of network devices such as routers, switches, servers, and workstations. SNMP operates over the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), which is a transport layer protocol, but its primary function and processes occur at the application layer. Application layer protocols like SNMP provide the necessary commands and structures that allow users to interact with and manage network devices. SNMP allows for the collection and organization of information about managed devices and the modification of device settings. Its capabilities to communicate with agents incorporated in network devices enable effective network management, which is a crucial aspect of network operations. The other layers mentioned—transport, internet, and network—serve different purposes. The transport layer is responsible for end-to-end communication and reliability, while the internet layer manages routing and addressing of data packets. The network layer focuses on data delivery, but SNMP's functionalities are distinctly centered around managing device operations, solidifying its designation as an application layer protocol.