Discovery stages and phases

The discovery process can be divided into two stages: data collection and data processing. The stages are subdivided into phases.

Data processing stage
Topology deduction takes place during the data processing stage, as the information from the data collection stage is analyzed, interpreted and processed by the stitchers. The culmination of the data processing stage is the production of the containment model.
Data collection stage
The data collection stage involves interrogating the network for device information to produce a network topology. DISCO uses the finders, agents and helpers during the data collection stage. The data collection stage can be further subdivided into a number of phases.
Advantages of staged discovery
There are several reasons why it is advantageous to apply a staged and phased approach to discovery.
Criteria for multiphasing
The main criterion for configuring a discovery that has multiple phases is to assess the requirements of the different operations that need to be performed during the discovery process. For example, Ethernet-based discovery agents require at least two phases. It is possible to have discovery agents that can operate in any phase.
Managing the phases
The different phases of the discovery data collection stage are managed by an internal phase manager.

Parent topic: Discovery process

Related concepts

Discovery timing
Discovery cycles

Related tasks

Monitoring full and partial discovery progress