The answer is two address objects: one for the VPN user subnet 10.10.10.0/24 and one for the web server IP 192.168.2.10. This is correct because a FortiGate firewall policy must explicitly define both the source and destination using address objects; without them, the policy cannot match traffic from the IPsec VPN users to the DMZ web server. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional NSE4 exam, this tests your understanding of how firewall policy objects form the foundation of traffic control, especially when bridging VPN users and DMZ resources—a common scenario where candidates mistakenly try to use interface-based rules instead of address objects. A frequent trap is forgetting that the VPN user subnet, not the VPN interface, must be defined as an address object for the source. Memory tip: think “source and destination, two objects to mention”—every policy needs a clear who and where.
NSE4 Firewall Policies and NAT Practice Question
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 network admin needs to configure a FortiGate to allow remote VPN users (IPsec VPN) to access a web server in the DMZ. The VPN users are assigned IPs from 10.10.10.0/24. The web server is at 192.168.2.10:80. Which TWO objects must be created to define the traffic for the firewall policy? (Choose two.)
Why wrong: Service object is not strictly required if using pre-defined services, but it could be used. However, the question asks which TWO objects must be created; addresses are mandatory, service is optional (can use pre-defined HTTP).
B
An address object for the web server 192.168.2.10
Destination address object.
C
An address object for the VPN user subnet 10.10.10.0/24
Source address object.
D
A user group object for VPN authentication
Why wrong: User group is not an object defining traffic; it's for identity-based policies.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An address object for the web server 192.168.2.10
The firewall policy needs to identify the source (VPN users) and destination (web server). Address objects for the VPN subnet and the web server IP are required.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
A service object for HTTP (TCP/80)
Why it's wrong here
Service object is not strictly required if using pre-defined services, but it could be used. However, the question asks which TWO objects must be created; addresses are mandatory, service is optional (can use pre-defined HTTP).
User group is not an object defining traffic; it's for identity-based policies.
✗
A schedule object for business hours
Why it's wrong here
Schedule is not required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related NSE4 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Firewall Policies and NAT — This question tests Firewall Policies and NAT — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: An address object for the web server 192.168.2.10 — The firewall policy needs to identify the source (VPN users) and destination (web server). Address objects for the VPN subnet and the web server IP are required.
What should I do if I get this NSE4 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related NSE4 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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