Quick Answer
The answer is to use the CLI command `config system snmp` followed by `set status enable`. This is correct because the FortiGate SNMP agent is disabled by default, and the `config system snmp` context is the dedicated configuration mode where you activate the service; the `set status enable` command flips the administrative switch, allowing the FortiGate to respond to SNMP queries from network management systems. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional NSE4 exam, this tests your ability to navigate the FortiGate CLI hierarchy and understand that enabling the SNMP agent is a prerequisite—not just setting community strings or traps. A common trap is assuming that configuring SNMP communities alone activates the agent, but the `status` must be explicitly enabled. For a quick memory tip, think of it as a two-step handshake: first enter the SNMP room with `config system snmp`, then flip the light switch with `set status enable`.
This NSE4 practice question tests your understanding of system and network administration. 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 administrator needs to configure a FortiGate to participate in SNMP monitoring. Which CLI command enables SNMP agent on the FortiGate?
config system snmp set status enable
This is the correct command sequence to enable SNMP.
set system snmp enable
Why wrong: This is not the correct syntax; the correct command is under config system snmp.
set snmp agent enable
Why wrong: This is not a valid FortiGate command.
enable snmp service
Why wrong: This is not a valid FortiGate command.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
config system snmp set status enable
The correct command to enable the SNMP agent on a FortiGate is 'config system snmp' followed by 'set status enable'. This enters the SNMP configuration context and activates the SNMP agent, which is required for the FortiGate to respond to SNMP queries from management systems. Without this command, the SNMP service remains disabled regardless of other SNMP settings.
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.
config system snmp set status enable
Why this is correct
This is the correct command sequence to enable SNMP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
set system snmp enable
Why it's wrong here
This is not the correct syntax; the correct command is under config system snmp.
set snmp agent enable
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid FortiGate command.
enable snmp service
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid FortiGate command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the FortiGate CLI syntax with Cisco IOS commands, where 'snmp-server enable' or 'snmp-server community' are used, leading them to select a similarly phrased but incorrect option like 'enable snmp service'.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is not the correct syntax; the correct command is under config system snmp.
Detailed technical explanation
The SNMP agent on FortiGate is configured under the 'config system snmp' context, which includes parameters for community strings, traps, and SNMPv3 users. The 'set status enable' command activates the SNMP daemon, which listens on UDP port 161 by default. In real-world deployments, administrators must also configure SNMP communities (for SNMPv1/v2c) or users (for SNMPv3) and optionally set up trap receivers to forward alerts to a monitoring system like SolarWinds or PRTG.
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
System and Network Administration — This question tests System and Network Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: config system snmp set status enable — The correct command to enable the SNMP agent on a FortiGate is 'config system snmp' followed by 'set status enable'. This enters the SNMP configuration context and activates the SNMP agent, which is required for the FortiGate to respond to SNMP queries from management systems. Without this command, the SNMP service remains disabled regardless of other SNMP settings.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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