B.9. SNMPv1, SNMPv2, and SNMPv3
There are three main variants of SNMP. The original, SNMPv1 (version 1), is the simplest, but it has some drawbacks that newer versions seek to remedy. Its shortcomings include:
No support for integers larger than 32 bits.
No means to ask for bulk data (each object must be asked for by name).
No mechanism to ensure that a trap reaches its destination.
Security/authentication is accomplished using community names, which are like passwords, but are transmitted on the network in the clear (that is, unencrypted).
SNMPv2c (community-based SNMPv2) addressed the first three of these problems, but reaching an agreement on a new security mechanism proved more difficult, so SNMPv2c still relies on community names for authentication. ...
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