Consulting service

Network Discovery Service | Network Audit Service

Engineer performing a network inventory in a server room — Network discovery and installed-base inventory.

The Network Discovery Service is a proactive consulting service that collects and analyzes information about a network’s installed base.

It provides both an in-depth and high-level snapshot of the network at a given time. The resulting data supports analysis of network health, efficiency and security, helping an organization plan security remediation, vulnerability patching and appropriate support coverage.

Organizations sometimes believe their network is fully secured and covered by service contracts, only to discover that part of the installed base has critical security issues or that important core devices lack support coverage. Discovery establishes the network’s real status so that informed action can follow, without further obligation.

Network Discovery Service phases

Pre-assessment consultation and presentation of sample reports
Discussion of Network Discovery requirements
Network assessment or network inventory
Report generation
Report discussion and next steps

Pre-assessment consultation and sample reports

We begin with a remote meeting to explain the Network Discovery Service, show examples of the expected reports and agree the intended outcome. This sets clear expectations before collection begins.

Security audit concept with network and protection symbols — Security and support findings are reviewed as part of the resulting network picture.

Network Discovery requirements

Every engagement is adapted to the customer and the network being analyzed. Preparation normally includes:

listing the major brands and types of network equipment;
defining the exact authorized IP addresses or address ranges;
preparing approved management access such as SNMPv3 and SSH;
confirming that the collector can reach devices only through the required protocols;
performing a lab test when customer policy or risk requires it.

Network assessment or network inventory

The assessment can take two forms. In a Network Discovery, an explicitly authorized range is queried and responding devices are identified, analyzed and inventoried. In a Network Inventory, the customer starts with an accurate list of device addresses. A direct inventory is usually faster because discovery of unknown addresses is not required.

Report generation

After the inventory is completed and reviewed, the output can include detailed spreadsheet reports and a presentation containing high-level information for decision-makers.

Report discussion, security audit and next steps

When the reports are ready, we arrange a meeting to explain the results. Possible next steps can address security alerts, exploitable vulnerabilities, equipment that is no longer supported, missing service coverage, and devices that were previously unknown to the organization.

A failed access switch or telephone may be straightforward to replace. A core device with security alerts, no service coverage or a passed Last Date of Support can present a much larger operational risk. A reliable installed-base view makes those priorities visible.

How the service is delivered

The Network Discovery Service can be performed remotely or on-site. Remote work requires a customer contact who knows the network and an organization-approved encrypted access or screen-sharing method. On-site work is performed by engineers at the customer’s premises.

NDA agreements

A Non-Disclosure Agreement can be signed before the engagement when required.

Price

The fee is established for each engagement after the pre-assessment consultation and scope review.

More information

For current availability, use the secure form on the contact page.