SNMP v3

The Credentials Library stores community string information for SNMP devices in your WhatsUp Gold database to be used whenever a read or write community string is needed to monitor a device. In WhatsUp Gold, credentials are used to limit access to a device's SNMP data. Devices need SNMP credentials assigned to them before SNMP-based Active Monitors can be applied. Configure the following fields to create a SNMP v3 credential:

Name. Enter a unique name for the credential. This name displays in the Credentials Library.
Description. (Optional) Enter additional information about the credential. This information displays next to the credential in the Credentials Library.
Username. Enter the username that is configured for the SNMP agent. This username is included in every SNMP packet in the authentication header. An SNMP device, upon reception of a packet, uses this username to look for configured authentication and encryption parameters and applies them to the received message.
Context. (Optional) Enter the context needed to identify specific SNMP instances on your network.
Authentication. If required, select the authentication protocol for this SNMP credential.
- Protocol. Select the algorithm method for authenticating SNMP v3 packets. MD5 creates a 128 bit digital signature and SHA-1 creates a 160 bit digital signature.
- Password. Enter the authentication password.
- Confirm password. Re-enter the authentication password a second time for confirmation.
Encryption. If supported, and an authentication protocol was selected for the SNMP v3 device, select the encryption protocol for the SNMP credential.
- Protocol. Select the algorithm method for encrypting SNMP v3 packets. DES56 uses a 56 bit encryption scheme and AES-128 uses a 128 bit encryption scheme.
- Password. Enter the encryption password.
- Confirm password. Re-enter the authentication password a second time for confirmation.

Note: SNMP v3 passwords are limited to 64 characters.