What does a Network Management Station do in relation to SNMP?

The Network Management Station (NMS) plays a crucial role in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) by managing SNMP agents and processing the data they collect from the network devices. The primary function of the NMS is to monitor and control network devices, allowing for real-time management and reporting.

When SNMP agents, which are embedded in various network devices such as routers and switches, collect data about the device’s performance and status, they send this information back to the NMS. The NMS then interprets this data, allowing network administrators to view and manage network performance, receive alerts on issues, and efficiently troubleshoot problems. This centralized management capability is essential for maintaining an operational and secure network.

Other options do cover aspects of network management but do not accurately describe the specific function of the Network Management Station within SNMP. For instance, creating network policies relates more to strategic planning than to the direct management and processing role performed by the NMS. Using firewalls pertains to network security rather than management, and operating non-managed devices implies a lack of oversight, which contradicts the NMS's purpose of actively managing network components.