[ NNSquad ] How far can we trust SNMP metrics?

[Lauren Weinstein <lauren@vortex.com>]

In the context of using SNMP for data collection, do we really have
any idea about the reliability of the stats derived from popular
routers?

For example, my servers are under very heavy load right now due to
interest in the Rogers story.  My own SNMP stats are steadily
showing both "maximum" and "last" upstream values that significantly
exceed the provisioned ceilings on the circuit.  This suggests that
I'm seeing calculation/buffering artifacts, and these could be
matters of significant concern affecting the use of SNMP metrics for
the project.

Comments?  Thanks.

--Lauren--
NNSquad Moderator