---
title: "SNMP and Streaming Telemetry"
slug: "snmp-and-streaming-telemetry"
description: "Explore Kentik's SNMP and Streaming Telemetry integration in the Data Engine for enhanced network performance visibility and unified data insights."
updated: 2026-01-24T00:46:23Z
published: 2026-01-24T00:46:23Z
canonical: "kb.kentik.com/snmp-and-streaming-telemetry"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.kentik.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SNMP and Streaming Telemetry

This article covers Kentik’s implementation of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Streaming Telemetry within the Kentik Data Engine (KDE).

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** For information about NMS-specific implementations, see [**NMS via Streaming Telemetry**](/v1/docs/nms-setup#nms-via-streaming-telemetry).

![Streaming telemetry data shown in Data Explorer.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/ST-Main-1020w.png)

*Streaming Telemetry data shown in Data Explorer.*

## SNMP vs. Streaming Telemetry

While both methods provide visibility into network performance, SNMP and ST differ in how data is retrieved and processed:

| Feature | SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) | Streaming Telemetry (ST) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Model | **Pull**: The monitoring system polls devices at intervals. | **Push**: Devices publish a continuous stream of data. |
| Efficiency | Higher overhead; polling intervals can miss spikes. | **High efficiency**: Transmits only changed values (incremental). |
| Standardization | Universal (RFC 1155). | Vendor-specific (evolving standards). |

> [!TIP]
> **TIP:** For more about Kentik's perspective on Streaming Telemetry, see the blog post [**Streaming Telemetry for Network Monitoring and Analytics**](https://www.kentik.com/blog/how-to-maximize-the-value-of-streaming-telemetry-for-network-monitoring-and/).

## Data Support in KDE

The Kentik Data Engine (KDE), a columnar datastore, correlates flow data (NetFlow/sFlow) with SNMP and ST metadata to provide a unified view in [**Data Explorer**](/v1/docs/data-explorer).

### SNMP Data

If devices are configured for [**SNMP OID Polling**](/v1/docs/router-configuration#snmp-oid-polling), Kentik stores these two types of data:

- **Counter OIDs:** Represented as [**SNMP Metrics**](/v1/docs/non-flow-metrics#snmp-metrics) (e.g., interface throughput).
- **Information OIDs:** Represented as [**SNMP Dimensions**](/v1/docs/device-metrics-dimensions#snmp-dimensions) (e.g., device metadata).

### Streaming Telemetry Data

If devices publish ST data to Kentik, it is integrated into KDE flow records:

- **ST Metrics:** Functionality equivalent to traditional SNMP metrics; listed in [**Streaming Telemetry Metrics**](/v1/docs/non-flow-metrics#streaming-telemetry-metrics).
- **ST Dimensions:** Available when querying ST-derived data; listed in [**Streaming Telemetry Dimensions**](/v1/docs/device-metrics-dimensions#streaming-telemetry-dimensions).

## Deployment & Configuration

Kentik supports a **Direct Push** architecture: send ST data from supported devices directly to the Kentik Data Engine (KDE).

### Supported Platforms

| Vendor | Requirement | Implementation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Juniper Junos | Junos OS 18.4R2.7+ | Apply [**Direct Dialout Snippet**](https://github.com/kentik/config-snippets/blob/master/Juniper/MX-series/telemetry_dialout.conf). |
| Cisco IOS-XRv 9000 | Version 6.2.3+ | Apply [**Direct Dialout Snippet**](https://github.com/kentik/config-snippets/blob/master/Cisco/IOS-XR/telemetry_dialout.conf). |

> [!WARNING]
> **IMPORTANT**:
> 
> - To request ST collection for your account, contact [**Customer Care**](/v1/docs/customer-care).
> - Ensure your ACLs allow outbound UDP traffic to Kentik.
> - Vendor support for ST is evolving; contact support to inquire about specific device series.