Defines how community strings are assigned to transponders. automatic - HMTS automatically assigns each device a its community string. The user may not be able to modify the community string in the hmtsDevTable. The community string generated is normally based upon the device's MAC address. In the SCTE 25-2 document (formerly HMS004), section A.4.2, there is a recommended method. manualHmts - Configuration of the community string is to be made manually through the HMTS. Setting the community string in the hmtsDevTable table does this. manualXp - Configuration of the community string is manually set prior to the transponder being put on the network. If the community string is invalid, then the community string assignment must be made manually using the hmtsDevTable table. Note: is the responsability of the HMTS to keep the community strings in the device and in the corresponding row of the hmtsDevCommString column consistent. Each time the EMS changes the community string in the device table, the HMTS must issue an SNMP set command to the device (commonTrapCommunityString) such that these community strings remain equal. This object is non-volatile.