If you plan to use SNMP with vCenter Server, you must use the vSphere Client to configure the SNMP settings.

Prerequisites

  • Verify that the vSphere Client is connected to a vCenter Server instance.
  • Verify that you have the domain name or IP address of the SNMP receiver, the port number of the receiver, and the community string.

Procedure

  1. In the vSphere Client, navigate to a vCenter Server instance.
  2. Click the Configure tab.
  3. Under Settings, click General.
  4. On the vCenter Server Settings central pane, click Edit.
    The Edit vCenter Server Settings wizard opens.
  5. Click SNMP receivers to edit their settings.
  6. Enter the following information for the primary receiver of the SNMP traps.
    Option Description
    Primary Receiver URL Enter the domain name or IP address of the receiver of SNMP traps.
    Enable receiver Select the check box to enable the SNMP receiver.
    Receiver port

    Enter the port number of the receiver to which the SNMP agent sends traps.

    If the port value is empty, vCenter Server uses port 162 by default.

    Community string Enter the community string that is used for authentication.
  7. (Optional) Enter information about other SNMP receivers in the Receiver 2 URL, Receiver 3 URL, and Receiver 4 URL options, and select Enabled.
  8. Click OK.

Results

The vCenter Server system is now ready to send traps to the management system you have specified.

What to do next

Configure your SNMP management software to receive and interpret data from the vCenter Server SNMP agent. See Configure SNMP Management Client Software.