Cacti port setup snmp 161 blocked

[melninray]

This program defaults to snmp port 161. Comcast, my ISP blocks this port. Are there alternate ports?

[cigamit]

161 is just the default. Some agents allow you to change it, some don't. You haven't given us enough information to help you beyond that.

[melninray]

I don't know what more information you would need. Comcast has it blocked and I would need to get some kind of permission. I'm asking if there is another generic port I could use or do I really have to contact Comcast? Comcast is not known to be forthcoming when their customers ask for something different.
Thanks for the input.

[cigamit]

SNMP is just a protocol. It is used by various devices. The only way to know if you can change the port is for you to say what type of device you are connecting to. Why you are trying to connect over the open internet to SNMP is then a whole other question.

Maybe start off with what you are trying to accomplish?

[melninray]

Now, that's a good question. I want to monitor my internet speed, up and down. I want to monitor ping and package delivery for choke points. I want to do this in real time and have confidence that my ISP is delivering what I'm paying for.

Let's start there. Any questions?

[cigamit]

Where is your Cacti server going to be hosted? Inside your network or outside? If its inside, then there should be no issues with your ISP blocking SNMP, as SNMP shouldn't be leaving your network. If outside, then you should be creating a VPN tunnel to inside your network, and thus your ISP can't block anything either.

[melninray]

I guess I'm way over my head on this software. I try entering a hostname and keep getting errors. I search the web for what a host name is and get 4 different answers. Thanks for your help, I'll look elsewhere.

[signosis]

I try polling from inside the network and the comcast modem does not respond to port 161. So they might have SNMP turned off on the device. I can't find any confirmation of this on the internet.

[cigamit]

I try polling from inside the network and the comcast modem does not respond to port 161. So they might have SNMP turned off on the device. I can't find any confirmation of this on the internet.

Your best solution is to buy your own router and stick it between the cable modem and everything else, that way you have full control over everything.