Learn about the differences, pros, and cons of MIB and YANG, two ways of defining SNMP data, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

YANG is primarily focused on defining data models for configuration and monitoring, while MIB is used for managing network devices and gathering information via SNMP.YANG is associated with protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF, while MIB is associated with SNMP. In summary , you will use YANG for large-scale configurations (using NETCONF/RESTCONF) while MIBs are more focused on providing information about device parameters and states rather than primarily handling large-scale configurations.Example - You might use an MIB query via SNMP to get the state of a specific router interface and its state. While configuring the complete Router itself we will prefer the NETCONF using YANG.

All
SNMP

How do you choose between MIB and YANG for SNMP data modeling?

MIB and YANG are two different ways of defining the structure and content of SNMP data. SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is a standard for monitoring and managing network devices. In this article, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

1 What is MIB?

MIB stands for Management Information Base, and it is a text file that describes the attributes and values of SNMP objects. An SNMP object is a variable that represents some aspect of a network device, such as its status, configuration, or performance. MIB files use a syntax called ASN.1, which is a formal notation for data types and structures. MIB files are organized into modules, which are collections of related objects. Each object has a unique identifier, called an OID, that follows a hierarchical tree structure.

Add your perspective

2 What is YANG?

YANG stands for Yet Another Next Generation, and it is a modeling language that defines the schema of SNMP data. A schema is a set of rules and constraints that specify the format and meaning of data. YANG files use a syntax called XML, which is a markup language for representing structured data. YANG files are also organized into modules, which can import or augment other modules. Each object has a name, a type, and optional properties, such as description, default value, or units.

Add your perspective

3 How do they differ?

MIB and YANG have some similarities, such as their use of modules, defining objects, and extensibility. However, they also have some key differences. For instance, MIB utilizes ASN.1 which is more compact and efficient, but XML is more human-readable and widely supported. Additionally, MIB uses OIDs which are more precise and unambiguous, yet names are more intuitive and flexible. Furthermore, MIB is more mature and stable due to its development in the 1980s with a large number of standardized and vendor-specific modules; whereas YANG was introduced in 2010 and is still developing new features and extensions.

Add your perspective

Vinay Saini

Inventor | Author | Technologist | Mentor *** Principal Architect: A Visionary Leader Driving Excellence and Positive Impact in Enterprise and Industrial Networks (MBA, B.Tech, CWNE #69, CCIE #38448, CCDE #20240032)
Report contribution
YANG is primarily focused on defining data models for configuration and monitoring, while MIB is used for managing network devices and gathering information via SNMP.YANG is associated with protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF, while MIB is associated with SNMP. In summary , you will use YANG for large-scale configurations (using NETCONF/RESTCONF) while MIBs are more focused on providing information about device parameters and states rather than primarily handling large-scale configurations.Example - You might use an MIB query via SNMP to get the state of a specific router interface and its state. While configuring the complete Router itself we will prefer the NETCONF using YANG.

Like

4 What are the pros and cons?

MIB and YANG have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the goals and preferences of the user. MIB is more compatible and interoperable, but is not as expressive or adaptable. It is widely supported by SNMP agents and managers, but has some limitations when defining complex data types, constraints, and operations. On the other hand, YANG is more flexible and powerful, but less consistent and compatible. It can define more complex data models with richer semantics, validation, and manipulation; however, it may not work with all SNMP versions, and may require additional tools or libraries to be used with different SNMP agents and managers.

Add your perspective

Jason Patterson

Director of Network Architecture at RocNet Supply
Report contribution
MIB/SNMP uses UDP for transport, any common tasks like SNMPWALK serially retrieve data in small chunks that are smaller than MTU between retriever and device. Typically this is up to 20-50 values per packet. SNMP is also columnar, meaning SNMPWALKs retrieve data a column at a time. Restconf/Netconf/YANG on the other hand use TCP, specifically HTTP for Restconf and SSH for Netconf and can retrieve data in much more flexible ways. Data can be retrieved by one leaf at at time all the way up to all data available on device in one request/response or anything in between. Netconf/Restconf can also apply filters to the data before it transmits it to receiver, so you can filter a much larger data set, down to relevant data before it is transmitted.

Like

5 How do you choose?

When it comes to SNMP data modeling, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Factors such as the complexity of the data, the SNMP version and features, the availability and compatibility of tools and devices, and the balance between simplicity and functionality should all be taken into account. It may even be beneficial to use both MIB and YANG approaches in certain situations, depending on the data being modeled. Additionally, there are tools available that can convert between MIB and YANG formats, such as pyang or smidump.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Bindu R

Linux Kernel developer
Report contribution
A demo of MIB and Yang data modeling can be added to get a fair comparison on these. Also few examples where they are preferred would also help in deciding the data model.

Like

How do you choose between MIB and YANG for SNMP data modeling?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is MIB?

2 What is YANG?

3 How do they differ?

4 What are the pros and cons?

5 How do you choose?

6 Here’s what else to consider

SNMP

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on SNMP

More relevant reading