What is the typical output of a network scan?

The typical output of a network scan is a list of active devices and their IP addresses. This output is generated through the process of sending packets to various IP addresses within a defined range to determine which devices are responsive and active on the network. The scan identifies devices such as computers, printers, routers, and other networked hardware.

This information is essential for network administrators to understand the current state of the network, inventory devices, manage IP address allocation, and identify potential issues in connectivity. The focus of a network scan is primarily on discovering devices rather than analyzing performance metrics, security vulnerabilities, or device configuration details, which are covered by different types of network assessments or monitoring tools.