Quick Answer
The answer is to check the firewall policy list for matching policies and run a packet capture. These two steps are essential for troubleshooting connectivity issues on a FortiGate because they directly verify whether traffic is being permitted or denied at the policy layer and whether it is actually arriving at the interface. Checking the policy list confirms that an allow policy exists in the correct order, while a packet capture reveals if the traffic reaches the FortiGate and matches the expected rule—critical when routing is already confirmed correct. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate layer 4 and layer 7 policy misconfigurations, a common trap where candidates overlook policy ordering or assume a silent drop is a routing problem. Remember the memory tip: “Policy first, packet second”—always verify the firewall policy list before diving into captures, but use captures to confirm the traffic is actually hitting the FortiGate.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of firewall policies and nat. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A FortiGate administrator is troubleshooting a connectivity issue where internal clients cannot reach a public web server. The administrator has confirmed that routing is correct and there are no security profiles blocking traffic. Which TWO debugging steps should the administrator take? (Choose two.)
Reboot the FortiGate
Why wrong: Not a troubleshooting step.
Run a packet capture on the internal interface
Verify traffic reaches the FortiGate.
Change the NAT mode to Central SNAT
Why wrong: Not a troubleshooting step.
Disable the antivirus profile
Why wrong: Already confirmed no security profiles blocking.
Check the firewall policy list for matching policies
Confirm if a policy allows the traffic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Run a packet capture on the internal interface
Checking the firewall policy list helps identify if an allow policy exists and its order. Running a packet capture helps see if traffic reaches the FortiGate and is being matched. Option A and D are correct.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Reboot the FortiGate
Why it's wrong here
Not a troubleshooting step.
Run a packet capture on the internal interface
Why this is correct
Verify traffic reaches the FortiGate.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Change the NAT mode to Central SNAT
Why it's wrong here
Not a troubleshooting step.
Disable the antivirus profile
Why it's wrong here
Already confirmed no security profiles blocking.
Check the firewall policy list for matching policies
Why this is correct
Confirm if a policy allows the traffic.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE4 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Firewall Policies and NAT — This question tests Firewall Policies and NAT — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Run a packet capture on the internal interface — Checking the firewall policy list helps identify if an allow policy exists and its order. Running a packet capture helps see if traffic reaches the FortiGate and is being matched. Option A and D are correct.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE4 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This NSE4 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Fortinet certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the NSE4 exam.
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