How to enable SNMP on TP-LINK managed switches

To monitor a TP-Link managed switch with Auvik, you must enable SNMP on the switch and configure a valid SNMP credential in Auvik.

Note: The exact menu names and configuration steps may vary depending on the switch model and firmware version. The instructions below apply to most TP-Link managed switches, including many JetStream models.

Before You Begin

Ensure:

• You have administrative access to the switch.
• The switch is reachable from the Auvik collector.
• Any firewalls or access control lists permit SNMP traffic (UDP 161).
• You know which SNMP version you plan to use (SNMPv2c or SNMPv3).

Enable SNMP

1. Log in to the switch management interface.
2. Navigate to the SNMP configuration section.
3. Enable SNMP.
4. Apply or save the configuration.

Configure an SNMP View

Some TP-Link switches require an SNMP View to define which MIB objects can be accessed.

If your switch supports SNMP Views:

1. Navigate to SNMP View.
2. Create a view named defaultView (or another appropriate name).
3. Configure the view to include MIB Object ID 1, which provides access to the entire MIB tree.
4. Save the configuration.

Note: Not all TP-Link models require a manually configured SNMP View. If the option is unavailable, continue to the next step.

Configure an SNMP Community (SNMPv2c)

If using SNMPv2c:

1. Navigate to the SNMP Community configuration section.
2. Create a new community.
3. Enter a community string.
4. Set the access level to Read-Only.
5. Associate the community with the appropriate SNMP View if required.
6. Save the configuration.

Recommendation: Use a unique community string instead of common values such as public or private.

Some TP-Link models limit community strings to 16 characters.

Configure SNMPv3 (Optional)

If your switch supports SNMPv3 and your organization requires stronger security:

1. Create an SNMPv3 user.
2. Configure authentication and privacy settings.
3. Record the username, authentication method, authentication password, and privacy password.
4. Save the configuration.

SNMPv3 provides authentication and encryption, making it more secure than SNMPv2c.

Add the SNMP Credential to Auvik

After SNMP has been configured on the switch:

1. In Auvik, navigate to Discovery > SNMP Credentials.
2. Click Add SNMP Credentials.
3. Select the appropriate SNMP version.
4. Enter the community string (SNMPv2c) or SNMPv3 credentials.
5. Assign the credential as needed.
6. Click Save SNMP Credentials.

Verify Connectivity

After saving the credential:

1. Confirm the credential is assigned to the device.
2. Verify the switch responds to SNMP queries.
3. Ensure UDP port 161 is accessible between the switch and the Auvik collector.

During the next discovery and polling cycle, Auvik will begin collecting device information, including:

• Interface statistics
• Device inventory information
• Hardware details
• Performance metrics
• Alerting and monitoring data

Troubleshooting

If the switch is not being monitored successfully:

• Verify SNMP is enabled on the switch.
• Confirm the community string or SNMPv3 credentials are correct.
• Ensure the configured SNMP View permits access to the required MIB objects.
• Verify UDP port 161 is not blocked by a firewall or ACL.
• Confirm the Auvik collector can reach the switch.
• Check that the device is managed in Auvik and that the credential is assigned correctly.

If the device still does not authenticate, test the credential using an SNMP walk utility to verify the switch is responding as expected.