Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

Which two types of Community Strings are used by SNMP version 2?

1. Read-Only and Read-Write

2. Public and Private

3. Valid and Invalid

4. Basic and Advanced

The correct answer is: Read-Only and Read-Write

SNMP version 2 uses community strings as a form of authentication or identification for devices within a network management system. The types of community strings are defined based on the level of access they provide to the SNMP manager. The Read-Only community string allows the SNMP manager to retrieve information and statistics from the SNMP-enabled devices without the ability to make changes to the device configuration or settings. This is particularly useful for monitoring purposes, as it ensures that sensitive settings remain unaltered, providing a secure way to gather necessary data for analysis and reporting. On the other hand, the Read-Write community string enables the SNMP manager to both retrieve and modify data on the SNMP-enabled devices. This gives the manager the capability to change configurations, restart services, or update certain parameters, allowing for more in-depth management of devices within the network. This system of community strings effectively controls access levels and helps in managing network security, which is why the distinction between Read-Only and Read-Write is critical in SNMP version 2 functionality. Therefore, recognizing these two types is essential for effective network management and monitoring.