What is the purpose of SNMP, which utilizes ports 161 and 162?

The purpose of SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is to query devices for performance statistics, making it a vital tool for monitoring and managing networked devices. It operates using two primary port numbers: 161, which is used for sending requests and receiving responses, and 162, which is designated for receiving traps or notifications from devices.

SNMP allows network administrators to retrieve information such as device status, performance metrics, and various configurable parameters. This capability is crucial for maintaining the health of the network, diagnosing potential issues, and optimizing performance by providing insight into how devices are operating.

In contrast, the other options do not relate to SNMP. Email operations utilize different protocols such as SMTP for sending emails and POP3 or IMAP for receiving them. Managing directory information typically involves protocols like LDAP. Therefore, these activities fall outside the scope of what SNMP is designed to accomplish.