Quick Answer
The answer is Virtual IP (VIP). A Virtual IP object is the correct choice because it performs inbound destination NAT (DNAT) by mapping a specific public IP and port, such as 203.0.113.5:22, to a private IP and port like 10.0.1.10:22, allowing external SSH traffic to reach the internal server. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the distinct roles between Virtual IP, IP Pool, and Central NAT: VIP handles inbound traffic translation, IP Pool manages source NAT for outbound traffic, and Central NAT provides a centralized policy-based alternative. A common trap is confusing VIP with IP Pool, but remember that VIP is for destination translation (inbound), while IP Pool is for source translation (outbound). Memory tip: VIP = "Visitor Inbound" — it invites external traffic into your private network.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of firewall policies and nat. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 needs to allow inbound SSH access from the internet to a single internal server at IP 10.0.1.10. The public IP on the WAN interface is 203.0.113.5. Which type of object should be configured to map the public IP and port to the internal server?
IP Pool
Why wrong: IP Pools are used for source NAT (SNAT), not destination NAT.
Central NAT policy
Why wrong: Central NAT policies can define NAT rules but are not the object type for mapping; a VIP must be used.
Virtual IP (VIP)
A VIP maps a public IP and port to an internal IP and port for inbound traffic.
Address object
Why wrong: Address objects define IP ranges but do not perform any translation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Virtual IP (VIP)
A Virtual IP (VIP) object is the correct choice because it specifically maps a public IP and port (203.0.113.5:22) to a private IP and port (10.0.1.10:22) for inbound destination NAT (DNAT). This allows external SSH traffic to reach the internal server by translating the destination address and port at the FortiGate WAN interface.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
IP Pool
Why it's wrong here
IP Pools are used for source NAT (SNAT), not destination NAT.
Central NAT policy
Why it's wrong here
Central NAT policies can define NAT rules but are not the object type for mapping; a VIP must be used.
Virtual IP (VIP)
Why this is correct
A VIP maps a public IP and port to an internal IP and port for inbound traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Address object
Why it's wrong here
Address objects define IP ranges but do not perform any translation.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse IP Pools (used for source NAT) with Virtual IPs (used for destination NAT), leading them to select Option A when the question clearly requires inbound mapping.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, a VIP creates a static one-to-one mapping in the FortiGate's NAT table, allowing traffic destined to 203.0.113.5:22 to be rewritten to 10.0.1.10:22. This is essential for services like SSH where the destination port must be preserved or optionally changed. In real-world scenarios, multiple VIPs can be used to map different public ports to different internal servers on the same public IP, enabling efficient use of limited public addresses.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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FAQ
Firewall Policies and NAT — This question tests Firewall Policies and NAT — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Virtual IP (VIP) — A Virtual IP (VIP) object is the correct choice because it specifically maps a public IP and port (203.0.113.5:22) to a private IP and port (10.0.1.10:22) for inbound destination NAT (DNAT). This allows external SSH traffic to reach the internal server by translating the destination address and port at the FortiGate WAN interface.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An administrator wants to allow SSH access from the internet to a server inside the network at 192.168.1.10. Which NAT configuration is needed?
easyWhy B: Option B is correct because to allow inbound SSH access from the internet to an internal server, you need a Virtual IP (VIP) that maps a public IP and port (e.g., 203.0.113.5:22) to the private IP and port (192.168.1.10:22), combined with a firewall policy from the WAN zone to the DMZ zone that permits SSH traffic. This is Destination NAT (DNAT), which translates the destination address of incoming packets so they are routed to the internal server.
Variation 2. An administrator wants to allow access to an internal web server from the internet using a public IP address 203.0.113.10. The internal server has IP 10.0.0.5. Which FortiGate feature should be configured to translate the destination IP?
easyWhy A: Destination NAT (DNAT) is used to translate the destination IP of incoming traffic. Virtual IP (VIP) is the FortiGate object for DNAT. Option B is correct.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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