Quick Answer
The answer is to create a VIP for HTTPS mapping port 443 to 10.0.0.2 and a separate VIP for HTTP mapping port 80 to 10.0.0.1. This is correct because destination NAT with port differentiation allows a single public IP address to serve multiple internal servers by using distinct destination ports as the routing key; each Virtual IP (VIP) object defines a unique port-to-server mapping, and when combined in a VIP group or applied individually to a firewall policy, the FortiGate inspects the incoming port and forwards traffic to the appropriate internal host. On the Fortinet NSE 4 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how VIPs handle port-based load distribution without requiring multiple public IPs, a common trap being the mistaken belief that a single VIP can map multiple ports to different servers—it cannot, as each VIP is a one-to-one mapping of public port to private IP:port. A reliable memory tip is "one VIP, one port, one server," so for multiple servers you need multiple VIPs or a VIP group, each with its own port differentiation.
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.
An administrator needs to configure destination NAT for multiple internal servers using a single public IP address by differentiating based on destination port. The public IP 203.0.113.10 should map to: (A) 10.0.0.1:80 for HTTP, (B) 10.0.0.2:443 for HTTPS. Which TWO configuration steps are required? (Choose two.)
Create a VIP for HTTP mapping port 80 to 10.0.0.1
VIP defines the mapping.
Create an IP pool for the public IP
Why wrong: IP pool is for source NAT.
Create a VIP for HTTPS mapping port 443 to 10.0.0.2
Second VIP for HTTPS.
Configure policy-based routing for each server
Why wrong: Not required for DNAT.
Use Central SNAT with port forwarding
Why wrong: Central SNAT is for source NAT.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a VIP for HTTP mapping port 80 to 10.0.0.1
A VIP group with multiple VIPs each having a different port mapping allows this. Alternatively, separate VIPs with different public ports can be used. Option A and C 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.
Create a VIP for HTTP mapping port 80 to 10.0.0.1
Why this is correct
VIP defines the mapping.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Create an IP pool for the public IP
Why it's wrong here
IP pool is for source NAT.
Create a VIP for HTTPS mapping port 443 to 10.0.0.2
Configure policy-based routing for each server
Why it's wrong here
Not required for DNAT.
Use Central SNAT with port forwarding
Why it's wrong here
Central SNAT is for source NAT.
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: Create a VIP for HTTP mapping port 80 to 10.0.0.1 — A VIP group with multiple VIPs each having a different port mapping allows this. Alternatively, separate VIPs with different public ports can be used. Option A and C 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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