Auvik uses SNMP to collect inventory, performance, and status information from Brocade Fibre Channel switches running Fabric OS.
SNMP configuration on Fabric OS is performed through the command-line interface (CLI), which can be accessed through:
- SSH (recommended)
- Telnet
- Serial console
Note: Some commands require administrative privileges and should be executed from a secure SSH session whenever possible.
Before You Begin
Ensure the following:
- You have administrative access to the switch.
- The Auvik collector can communicate with the switch.
- Any firewalls or ACLs permit SNMP traffic (UDP 161).
- You know the SNMP community string you intend to use.
Enable SNMPv1/v2c
To configure an SNMP community string for polling, run the following command:
snmpconfig --set snmpv1 -c community <COMMUNITY_STRING>
Replace:
<COMMUNITY_STRING>
with the community string you want Auvik to use.
Example:
snmpconfig --set snmpv1 -c community auvik-readonly
Recommendation: Use a unique read-only community string rather than common values such as
public.
Verify the Configuration
After configuring SNMP, verify the settings:
snmpconfig --show
Review the output and confirm:
- SNMP is enabled.
- The expected community string is configured.
- SNMP services are active.
Configure the SNMP Credential in Auvik
After SNMP has been enabled on the switch:
- Navigate to Discovery > SNMP Credentials.
- Click Add SNMP Credentials.
- Select the appropriate SNMP version.
- Enter the configured community string.
- Save the credential.
Auvik will attempt to authenticate to the switch during the next discovery cycle.
Optional: SNMPv3
Newer Fabric OS releases support SNMPv3.
If your organization requires encrypted and authenticated SNMP communication, consider configuring SNMPv3 instead of SNMPv1/v2c.
When using SNMPv3, you will need:
- Username
- Authentication protocol
- Authentication password
- Privacy protocol (if used)
- Privacy password
Refer to your Fabric OS version documentation for the specific SNMPv3 configuration commands available on your platform.
Troubleshooting
If the switch is not discovered or monitored correctly:
Verify Network Connectivity
Confirm that:
- The switch is reachable from the Auvik collector.
- UDP port 161 is not blocked.
- Routing exists between the collector and the switch.
Verify SNMP Configuration
Run:
snmpconfig --show
Confirm that the expected community string is configured.
Verify Credentials
Ensure that:
- The SNMP community string in Auvik matches the switch configuration exactly.
- No extra spaces or special characters were entered incorrectly.
Test SNMP Manually
If available, perform an SNMP walk from a management workstation or the collector to verify the switch is responding to SNMP requests.
Additional Information
With SNMP configured, Auvik can collect information such as:
- Switch inventory
- Fibre Channel port status
- Interface statistics
- Environmental information
- Device health and performance metrics
Depending on polling intervals, newly collected information may take several minutes to appear in Auvik.