Purpose: The purpose of this manual is to assist users in configuring PRTG Network Monitor to track SNMP device network discovery events. By monitoring these events, users can ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of their network infrastructure.

Prerequisites:

1. Access to a PRTG Network Monitor instance.
2. Basic understanding of SNMP and network devices.
3. SNMP-enabled devices within the network.

Steps:

1. Access PRTG Web Interface:

   • Log in to your PRTG Network Monitor instance using a web browser.

2. Navigate to Device Tree:

   • In the PRTG web interface, navigate to the "Devices" tab or the device tree where your network devices are organized.

3. Add SNMP Device Discovery Sensor:

   • Right-click on the desired device or group where you want to add the SNMP device discovery sensor.
   • Select "Add Sensor" and search for "SNMP Device Discovery".
   • Click on the sensor to add it to the selected device or group.

4. Configure Sensor Settings:

   • Enter a name for the sensor to identify it easily.
   • Specify the SNMP version (SNMP v1, v2c, or v3) and authentication credentials (community string or SNMPv3 credentials).
   • Optionally, configure advanced sensor settings such as timeout and scanning interval.

5. Define Discovery Parameters:

   • In the sensor settings, specify the discovery parameters such as IP address range, SNMP port (default is 161), and SNMP timeout.
   • Customize the discovery settings based on your network topology and device configurations.

6. Set Notification Triggers:

   • Configure notification triggers to receive alerts when new devices are discovered or existing devices go offline.
   • Define thresholds and conditions for triggering notifications based on network discovery events.

7. Review and Save Settings:

   • Double-check all configured settings to ensure accuracy.
   • Save the sensor configuration to initiate SNMP device discovery immediately.

8. Monitor Discovery Events:

   • Monitor the SNMP device discovery sensor results in the PRTG web interface.
   • Review discovered devices, their status, and relevant details such as device type, IP address, and SNMP version.
   • Track network discovery events in real-time and respond promptly to any anomalies or changes.

Best Practices:

• Regularly schedule SNMP device discovery scans to ensure comprehensive coverage of the network.
• Use device templates and auto-discovery groups to streamline the management of newly discovered devices.
• Implement network segmentation and access control to manage SNMP communication securely.
• Monitor SNMP traps and Syslog messages for additional insights into network events and device status changes.

By following these steps, you can effectively track SNMP device network discovery events using PRTG Network Monitor. Monitoring these events enables proactive network management, facilitates rapid identification of new devices, and ensures the integrity and security of the network infrastructure. Leveraging PRTG's SNMP device discovery capabilities enhances visibility into network devices and simplifies network administration tasks.