What type of data do sensors in Discovery use to identify devices?

Sensors in ServiceNow Discovery utilize payload responses to identify devices within the network. Payload responses are the information retrieved from the devices during the discovery process. When a sensor sends a request to a device, the device responds with a payload containing various details such as operating system, applications running, services, and other important characteristics. This response is parsed by the Discovery application to accurately identify and classify the device.

The accuracy and effectiveness of device identification depend heavily on the specific details included in these payloads. For instance, differentiating between a Windows server and a Linux server requires analyzing the unique payload responses that each type of device provides. Thus, the use of these payload responses is crucial for building an accurate CMDB (Configuration Management Database) and for gaining visibility of the assets within an organization.

Understanding the nature of payload responses emphasizes the importance of the information provided by devices during the discovery process, making this the correct choice for identifying devices in Discovery.