The Credentials Library stores community string information for SNMP devices in your Network Performance Monitor database to be used whenever a read or write community string is needed to monitor a device. SNMP v3 uses a plain text read and write community string.

Configure SNMP v3 credentials using the following boxes:

  • Name. Enter a unique name for the credential. This name displays in the Credentials Library.
  • Description (Optional). Enter a short description for the credential. This description displays next to the credential in the Credentials Library.
  • Username. Enter the user name that is configured for the SNMP agent. This user name is included in every SNMP packet in the authentication header. An SNMP device, upon reception of a packet, uses this user name to look for configured authentication and encryption parameters and applies them to the received message.
  • Context (Optional). Enter the context needed to identify specific SNMP instances on your network.
  • Authentication. Select the protocol for this SNMP credential, if required.
    • Protocol. Select the algorithm method for authenticating SNMP v3 packets.
    • MD5. This protocol creates a 128-bit digital signature.
    • HA-1. This protocol creates a 160-bit digital signature.
    • Password. Enter the authentication password.
    • Confirm password. Re-enter the authentication password for confirmation.
  • Encryption Select the encryption protocol for the SNMP credential, if supported.
    • Protocol. Select the algorithm method for encrypting SNMP v3 packets. DES56 uses a 56-bit encryption scheme and AES-128 uses a 128-bit encryption scheme.
    • Password. Enter the encryption password.
    • Confirm password. Re-enter the authentication password for confirmation.
    • Click OK to save changes. The credential is added to the Credentials Library.