Re: snmpEngineBoots

On Fri, 2 May 2003, Ann Lo wrote:
> Should snmpEngineBoots be initialized to 0 or 1? rfc3414 (USM)
> says 0.

That's the correct initial value.

> rfc3411 says 1.

More precisely, it says that's the minimum value that can be
returned in respose to a Get-Request-PDU.

> To be really consistent with both rfc's, the implemention could be as
> follows:
> 
>    * Set snmpEngineBoots to 0 when the SNMP agent is first installed.
>    * Do not provide a MIB instance to snmpEngineBoots when it is 0.

Note that the engine _cannot_ return any value until after it is
booted at least one, so the second step is automatic.

I seem to recall that this discussion has taken place on this list
before.

//cmh