During ServiceNow Discovery, which protocol is primarily used to monitor network devices?

The primary protocol used to monitor network devices during ServiceNow Discovery is SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol. SNMP is specifically designed for managing and monitoring the performance of network devices such as routers, switches, servers, and other hardware connected to a network. It allows for the collection of information about device status, configuration, and performance metrics, enabling effective monitoring and management of network resources.

In the context of ServiceNow Discovery, SNMP facilitates the automated gathering of data from numerous networked devices, which is essential for creating an accurate representation of the IT environment. When Discovery runs, it uses SNMP to query network devices, retrieve relevant data, and store it in the ServiceNow instance for asset management and reporting purposes.

Other protocols listed, such as WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation), HTTP, and SSH (Secure Shell), serve different purposes. WMI is primarily used for monitoring Windows-based systems, HTTP is more about web communication, and SSH is used for secure command line access to devices but not specifically for monitoring. Therefore, SNMP stands out as the key protocol for monitoring network devices within the Discovery process.