Introduction to the simple gateway monitoring protocol

The simple gateway monitoring protocol (SGMP) is a simple application-layer protocol that allows logically remote users to inspect or alter management information for a gateway. In the internet context, gateway performs the functions of the classical packet switch. A description is given of the SGMP, its architecture, some of its uses and applications, the author´s implementation experience, and some future directions for its development. The design philosophy leading to the SGMP is discussed.<>