Which protocol is used for network management and monitoring?

The correct choice is based on the specific function of the protocol in question. SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is specifically designed for network management and monitoring purposes. It allows for the collection and organization of information about managed devices on IP networks. This includes routers, switches, servers, and other networked devices. SNMP enables network administrators to monitor performance, detect network faults, and configure devices remotely.

In contrast, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for transferring web pages and other resources on the internet, making it unsuitable for network management tasks. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between computers on a network but does not provide capabilities for monitoring or managing networked devices. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is utilized for sending emails, again unrelated to monitoring or managing network devices.

Thus, SNMP is the standard choice for tasks related to network management and monitoring, highlighting its importance in maintaining network efficiency and health.