Courseiva
SystemGlobal Config

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.

Syntax·Global Config
snmp-server host [ip] [string]

When to Use This Command

  • Sending SNMP traps to a network management system (NMS) like SolarWinds or PRTG for monitoring device health.
  • Forwarding authentication failure traps to a security information and event management (SIEM) system.
  • Configuring redundant SNMP notification destinations by specifying multiple hosts.
  • Sending interface status change traps to a help desk ticketing system.

Command Examples

Basic SNMP trap host configuration

snmp-server host 192.168.1.100 public

No output is generated upon successful configuration. The command configures the router to send SNMP traps to host 192.168.1.100 using community string 'public'.

Verifying SNMP host configuration

show snmp host
Notification host: 192.168.1.100   udp-port: 162   type: trap
   user: public   security model: v1
Notification host: 10.0.0.50   udp-port: 162   type: trap
   user: snmpadmin   security model: v2c

The output lists each configured SNMP notification host. 'Notification host' is the IP address of the NMS. 'udp-port' is the destination port (default 162). 'type' indicates trap or inform. 'user' shows the community string (v1/v2c) or username (v3). 'security model' shows SNMP version.

Understanding the Output

The 'show snmp host' command displays all configured SNMP notification destinations. Each host entry shows the IP address, UDP port (default 162), notification type (trap or inform), community string or username, and SNMP security model (v1, v2c, or v3). In a real network, you should verify that the NMS IP is correct and that the community string matches the NMS configuration. Missing hosts or incorrect community strings will prevent trap delivery. Watch for 'type: inform' if you configured informs instead of traps.

CCNA Exam Tips

1.

CCNA exam expects you to know that 'snmp-server host' is used to specify the destination for traps, while 'snmp-server enable traps' globally enables trap generation.

2.

Remember that the community string acts like a password; the NMS must use the same string to receive traps.

3.

The default SNMP version is v1 unless specified; exam may test how to configure v2c or v3.

4.

You can configure multiple hosts by repeating the command with different IPs.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to enable traps globally with 'snmp-server enable traps' — without it, no traps are sent even if hosts are configured.

Using a community string that doesn't match the NMS configuration, causing authentication failures.

Omitting the SNMP version; default v1 may not be supported by modern NMS, leading to no trap reception.

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 enable traps

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

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