How are devices classified after the port scan in ServiceNow Discovery?

After a port scan in ServiceNow Discovery, devices are classified by comparing the data returned from probes against specific configured criteria. This process involves examining the responses from various probes that have been executed during the discovery phase. Each probe collects specific information about the device, such as ports that are open, services that are running, and system information.

The classification mechanism relies heavily on the accuracy and granularity of the criteria set within the ServiceNow platform. These criteria enable the platform to distinctly identify a wide range of devices, including servers, switches, routers, and other networked devices. By utilizing the rich data gathered from various probes and matching it against these criteria, ServiceNow Discovery ensures a high level of precision in categorizing devices, which aids in effective asset management and configuration management database (CMDB) population.

This approach goes beyond simple classifications like operating system or port specifics, providing a more holistic view of the device by recognizing patterns and characteristics that meet the predefined standards within the system. Consequently, this detailed methodology enhances the overall accuracy and reliability of the information captured during the discovery process.