CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is a key feature of SNMP traps?

1. They provide file transfer capabilities

2. They alert and notify about network status

3. They encrypt messages between devices

4. They manage remote connections

The correct answer is: They alert and notify about network status

A key feature of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) traps is their ability to alert and notify network administrators about the status of devices on the network. SNMP traps are messages sent from a network device, such as a router or switch, to a management system to inform it of specific events or changes in state, such as an error condition, a status change, or a threshold crossing. This immediate notification allows administrators to respond quickly to potential issues, thereby enhancing network reliability and performance. In contrast, the other options focus on different functionalities that are not associated with SNMP traps. For example, while file transfer is a function associated with protocols like FTP, it is not a feature of SNMP. Similarly, message encryption is a concern for protocols that ensure confidentiality, such as SNMPv3, but it doesn't specifically relate to the operation of traps. Finally, managing remote connections pertains more to protocols designed for remote access or control, rather than the alerting function provided by SNMP traps.