Updating an existing trap parameters (objects) and partially sending parameters in a trap

Question

We have created a list of traps (notification) that our application is exposing and described it in a MIB file. Today we came into a situation that we need to update the MIB and add additional (OPTIONAL) parameter to the trap (update the Objects). So at the we will have an existing notification that has one more parameter.

My question is (because i really dont know what the SNMP manager will do)

1. If my customer DIDNT install the updated MIB with the updated objects in the trap and i send the new parameter what will happen on SNMP manager client side?
2. What will happen if customer installed the new MIB and i send a trap WITHOUT the new parameter?

Intuitively as a developer i would expect that everything will be OK meaning for (1) the trap will be seen (new parameter showed without translation of OID / not shown), and for (2) Trap will be seen and no issues.

also in general when trap message definition has a parameter - is it mandatory / optional?

Your answer will help me a lot, thanks

Answer 1

The exact behavior depends on the manager.

In general, it's best to not change objects in a published MIB. You should create a new trap that contains the extra parameter. When you need to send without the extra param, use the old notification object. When you need to send the extra param, use the new object.