What is the first step in each phase of the Discovery process?

The correct answer is the initiation of output probes on the Event Command Center (ECC). This step is crucial because it begins the communication process necessary for Discovery to function effectively. Output probes are responsible for identifying devices on the network and gathering essential information. They serve as the first point of interaction with the devices, allowing the Discovery process to start collecting data on what is present in the environment.

By initiating output probes, Discovery can probe devices to gather information necessary for subsequent steps, such as classifying devices and scanning open ports. This lays the foundation for effectively identifying assets and services within the network. The initiation of output probes directly influences the efficiency of the entire Discovery process, making it a critical first step.