Definition of SNMP Gauge32 vs Counter32

Question

Can someone point me to a good definition of Gauge32 vs Counter32? I understand that Counter32 can wrap, but Gauge32 can't.

I'm trying to understand their semantics. For example, I've heard you should take the difference between two Counter32 readings to get a value/second. Is there something like that for a Gauge32 value?

Thanks for any insight.

Answer 1

Yes, for Gauge32 you can also use that.

Deep down inside, Gauge32 and Counter32 are the same, except that data stored in Counter32 keeps increasing (and wrap when upper limit hits).

http://www.ireasoning.com/javadocs/com/ireasoning/protocol/snmp/SnmpCounter32.html

For Gauge32 you can expect the data increases and decreases based on what real world information it tries to provide.

http://www.ireasoning.com/javadocs/com/ireasoning/protocol/snmp/SnmpGauge32.html