snmp-server contact [text]
Sets the SNMP system contact information for the device, used to identify the responsible person or team for network management.
snmp-server contact [text]When to Use This Command
- Configuring the contact information for the network administrator on a core switch for SNMP-based monitoring.
- Setting a help desk email as the SNMP contact on a router to facilitate troubleshooting by NOC teams.
- Updating contact details after a personnel change to ensure accurate SNMP system information.
- Standardizing contact strings across multiple devices for consistent SNMP management.
Command Examples
Setting SNMP contact to an email address
snmp-server contact admin@example.comRouter(config)# snmp-server contact admin@example.com Router(config)#
The command is entered in global configuration mode. No output is shown upon success; the prompt returns without error.
Setting SNMP contact with a name and phone number
snmp-server contact John Doe, +1-555-1234Router(config)# snmp-server contact John Doe, +1-555-1234 Router(config)#
The contact string can include spaces and special characters. The command executes silently if accepted.
Understanding the Output
This command does not produce any output on success. To verify the configured contact, use 'show snmp contact' or 'show running-config | include snmp-server contact'. The contact string appears in the SNMP MIB-II sysContact object (OID 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.4.0). A missing or incorrect contact may indicate incomplete SNMP configuration.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam tip: Remember that 'snmp-server contact' is configured in global config mode, not interface config.
CCNA exam tip: The contact string is informational only and does not affect SNMP functionality; it's part of MIB-II system group.
CCNA exam tip: You may be asked to verify the contact using 'show snmp contact' or 'show running-config'.
CCNA exam tip: The command does not validate the format; any text string is accepted.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Typing 'snmp contact' instead of 'snmp-server contact' — the command will be rejected.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to enter global configuration mode — the command will fail.
Mistake 3: Using quotes around the contact string — quotes are not needed and may become part of the string.
Related Commands
snmp-server community [string] [ro|rw]
Configures an SNMP community string on a Cisco IOS device to allow SNMP access with read-only or read-write privileges for network monitoring and management.
snmp-server location [text]
Sets a descriptive location string for the SNMP agent, used to identify the physical location of the device in network management systems.
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