SystemGlobal Config

snmp-server enable traps

Enables SNMP trap notifications on the device, allowing it to send alerts to an SNMP manager for specified events.

Syntax·Global Config

snmp-server enable traps

When to Use This Command

Enable traps to monitor interface up/down events for network troubleshooting.
Configure traps for authentication failures to detect unauthorized access attempts.
Enable cold start traps to notify the NMS after a device reboot.
Enable link status traps to track changes in network connectivity.

Command Examples

Enable all SNMP traps

snmp-server enable traps

This command enables all available SNMP traps on the device. No output is generated; use 'show snmp' to verify.

Enable specific traps

snmp-server enable traps snmp authentication linkdown linkup

Enables only authentication failure, link down, and link up traps. No output; verify with 'show snmp'.

Understanding the Output

The command does not produce output. To verify trap configuration, use 'show snmp' and look for 'Traps enabled' line. For example: 'Traps enabled: snmp authentication linkdown linkup coldstart warmstart'. Each listed trap indicates it is active. Missing traps mean they are not enabled. Ensure the NMS IP is configured with 'snmp-server host' to receive traps.

CCNA Exam Tips

CCNA exam may ask which command enables traps for authentication failures: 'snmp-server enable traps snmp authentication'.

Remember that 'snmp-server enable traps' without keywords enables all traps, but you must also configure 'snmp-server host' to send them.

The exam might test that traps are sent via UDP port 162 by default.

Know that enabling traps does not require a reload; it takes effect immediately.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to configure 'snmp-server host' after enabling traps, so traps are enabled but never sent.

Enabling all traps when only specific ones are needed, causing unnecessary NMS processing.

Typing 'snmp-server enable trap' (singular) instead of 'traps' (plural), which is incorrect.

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 host [ip] [string]

Configures the SNMP server to send SNMP notifications (traps or informs) to a specified host, using a community string for authentication.

Practice for the CCNA 200-301

Test your knowledge with hundreds of CCNA practice questions covering all exam domains.

Practice CCNA Questions