Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

In SNMP, what does the 'Inform' protocol message do?

1. It informs devices of security features

2. It confirms communication between devices

3. It provides notification of variable changes from one device to another

4. It requests information from devices

The correct answer is: It provides notification of variable changes from one device to another

The 'Inform' protocol message in SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is specifically designed to provide notifications of variable changes from one device to another. This message type is used primarily by network management systems to receive updates about significant events or changes in the state of managed devices. When an SNMP agent detects a change in the status of a monitored variable or condition, it can send an Inform message to the management system, effectively alerting it to the change. This is particularly useful for network administrators who need timely information about the health and performance of network devices. The other options touch on aspects of network management but do not accurately describe the purpose of the Inform message in SNMP. For instance, while requesting information from devices is a primary function of SNMP with 'Get' requests, the Inform message serves a different role by delivering notifications rather than soliciting data. Similarly, confirming communication or discussing security features does not align with the specific function of the Inform protocol message.