The correct answer requires two settings: configuring DNS servers under System > DNS and enabling the DNS proxy on the FortiGate. The DNS server setting is essential because it defines the external resolvers, such as 8.8.8.8, that the FortiGate will use to answer queries from internal hosts, acting as the bridge to the internet. Enabling the DNS proxy then allows the FortiGate to intercept those internal DNS requests, cache responses for faster resolution, and forward them to the configured servers, which is the core mechanism for enabling internal hosts to resolve external domains. On the Fortinet NSE 4 exam, this question tests your understanding of how the FortiGate acts as a DNS forwarder rather than a recursive resolver; a common trap is thinking that only the DNS proxy is needed, but without the upstream server configuration, the proxy has nowhere to forward queries. Memory tip: think of the DNS servers as the “address book” and the DNS proxy as the “receptionist” who looks up addresses and remembers them for next time.
NSE4 System and Network Administration Practice Question
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. 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.
An administrator needs to configure DNS on a FortiGate so that internal hosts can resolve external domain names. Which two settings are required? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure DNS servers under System > DNS.
Option A is correct because configuring DNS servers under System > DNS is the fundamental step that tells the FortiGate which external DNS resolvers (e.g., 8.8.8.8) to use for resolving domain names. Without this, the FortiGate cannot forward DNS queries from internal hosts to the internet. Option C is correct because enabling the DNS proxy on the FortiGate allows it to intercept DNS requests from internal clients, cache responses for performance, and forward them to the configured DNS servers, which is essential for internal hosts to resolve external domains through the FortiGate.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure DNS servers under System > DNS.
Why this is correct
DNS server addresses must be specified for the FortiGate to perform resolution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create a firewall policy allowing DNS traffic from internal to external.
Why it's wrong here
DNS proxy traffic is handled internally; no separate policy needed if proxy is enabled.
✓
Enable DNS proxy on the FortiGate.
Why this is correct
The DNS proxy allows the FortiGate to forward DNS requests from internal hosts to external servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
If the DNS servers are reachable via the default route, no special route is needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think a firewall policy is required for DNS traffic, but the FortiGate's DNS proxy handles the forwarding internally, making the explicit policy unnecessary unless the proxy is disabled and hosts send queries directly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The DNS proxy on FortiGate operates as a transparent proxy that listens on UDP port 53 (and optionally TCP) and can cache DNS responses to reduce latency and external queries. Under the hood, it uses the configured DNS servers (from System > DNS) as forwarders, and if the DNS proxy is disabled, the FortiGate still resolves names for its own management but does not proxy for internal hosts. In real-world scenarios, enabling the DNS proxy also allows features like DNS filtering and security policies to inspect DNS traffic, which is critical for blocking malicious domains.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the NSE4 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
System and Network Administration — This question tests System and Network Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure DNS servers under System > DNS. — Option A is correct because configuring DNS servers under System > DNS is the fundamental step that tells the FortiGate which external DNS resolvers (e.g., 8.8.8.8) to use for resolving domain names. Without this, the FortiGate cannot forward DNS queries from internal hosts to the internet. Option C is correct because enabling the DNS proxy on the FortiGate allows it to intercept DNS requests from internal clients, cache responses for performance, and forward them to the configured DNS servers, which is essential for internal hosts to resolve external domains through the FortiGate.
What should I do if I get this NSE4 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.