The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standard protocol used for managing devices on IP networks. It allows network administrators to monitor and control network devices such as routers, switches, and servers. SNMP operates by using a manager-agent model, where the manager collects data from agents installed on network devices. SNMP facilitates communication through a set of defined messages, enabling tasks like performance monitoring, fault detection, and configuration management. It uses a hierarchical structure called the Management Information Base (MIB) to organize and retrieve information about the network devices, making it easier to maintain network health and efficiency.