What is the role of an "IP Range" in the Discovery process?

The role of an "IP Range" in the Discovery process is to define the set of IP addresses that will be scanned during Discovery. In the context of network discovery, identifying a specific range of IP addresses is crucial because it determines the scope of the assets that will be assessed. By specifying an IP range, the Discovery process can systematically probe all devices within that range for information such as their configurations, operational status, and any services they might be running.

This targeted approach is essential for effectively gathering accurate data about the network's assets, which can then be used for inventory management, vulnerability assessments, and ensuring compliance with various policies. Without a defined IP range, the Discovery tool would not know which devices to include in its scanning activities, potentially leading to missed critical components or unnecessary scanning of irrelevant devices.