What is the purpose of the Classification Phase in network discovery?

The Classification Phase in network discovery is essential for identifying devices within the network accurately. The primary purpose of this phase is to classify the type of device based on its response to discovery requests. During this classification process, each device responds in distinct ways, which allows the discovery tool to categorize them effectively. This classification is crucial because it enables the network management system to apply appropriate configurations, ensure compatibility, and facilitate management actions specific to each type of device.

In contrast, monitoring network traffic focuses on analyzing data moving across the network rather than on the categorization of devices. Determining device responsiveness is related but is more about checking if devices are online rather than classifying them fully. Encrypting sensitive data pertains to security measures for protecting information, which does not fit within the scope of the Classification Phase.