When multiple devices are simulated using the same response file in the Nextian SNMP Agent Simulator, potentially each device could return identical SNMP responses. However, in most simulation scenarios, unique behavior per simulated agent is required..
Differentiating responses is possible through modifiers — a special annotations added to the response file. Nextian SNMP Agent Simulator supports two types of modifiers:
- Load-Time Modifiers — These modify an object’s (OID’s) value once, at simulator startup, after SNMP response files are loaded. The resulting value remains constant for every read operation until the simulator is restarted. (Use case: assign unique identifiers or static configuration values.).
- Run-Time Modifiers — These modify an object’s value on every read operation. The returned value may vary with each read. (Use case: simulate changing metrics like performance counters or uptime.)
