2024 Global Cyber Confidence Index

Arrow pointing right
ExtraHop Logo
  • Productschevron right
  • Solutionschevron right
  • Why ExtraHopchevron right
  • Blogchevron right
  • Resourceschevron right

Network Protocols Glossary

What is a network protocol? Protocols are the rules of the road for how data exists and moves on the network. They allow many different systems and computers to communicate.

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Protocol

What is Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Protocol?

WMI is a Microsoft-specific implementation of the Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM) standard. WMI allows you to gather information about and control various components of a Windows system. It is used for inventory management, system health monitoring, software deployment, and security auditing.


What is the purpose of WMI Protocol

Data is represented in a standardized format called MIF, making it easier to query and manipulate. WMI uses CIM (common information model) to represent managed systems. Components interact with managed resources through WMI, and scripts or applications leverage WMI to gather information about components.