The original (version 1) specifications of SNMP has the following
definition of a new type:

Gauge ::= [APPLICATION 2] IMPLICIT INTEGER  (0..4294967295)

The standard includes the following explanation of the semantics of this type:

This application-wide type represnts a non-negative integer, which may
increase or decrease, but which latches at a maximum value. This
standard specifices a maximum value of 232 ? 1 (4294967295) for
gauges.

Unfortunately, the word latch is not defined, and this has resulted in
two different interpretations. The SNMPv2 standard cleared up the
ambiguity with the following definition:

The value of a Gauge has its maximum value whenever the information
being modeled is greater than or equal to that maximum value; if the
information being modeled subsequently decreases below the maximum
value, the Gauge also decreases.

a.	What is the alternative interpretation?

I believe this is the answer:

The other interpretation of latch is that if the value of a gauge
increases beyond the maximum value it will remain stuck at is maximum
value until reset.

b.	Discuss the pros and cons of the two interpretations.

I can't find any information regarding this question.