The answer is that the policy action is set to 'accept' without logging enabled, causing traffic to be bridged without session creation. In transparent mode, the FortiGate operates as a Layer 2 bridge, forwarding frames between interfaces without establishing sessions unless logging is explicitly configured on the policy. Even when 'log all sessions' is enabled, the default 'accept' action does not generate logs because transparent mode policies require separate logging configuration—such as setting the logging option to 'All Sessions' or 'Security Events'—to trigger session creation and logging. On the Fortinet NSE 4 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how transparent mode differs from NAT or routed mode, where session logging is more automatic. A common trap is assuming that enabling 'log all sessions' alone guarantees logs, but in transparent mode, the policy must also have logging explicitly turned on. Memory tip: think "Bridge before logs"—in Layer 2 mode, logging is never automatic; you must flip the logging switch.
NSE4 System and Network Administration Practice Question
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 FortiGate is configured in transparent mode. The administrator notices that traffic passing through the FortiGate is not being logged, even though log all sessions is enabled on the policy. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Traffic is being bridged without session creation because the policy is set to 'accept' without logging enabled.
In transparent mode, FortiGate acts as a Layer 2 bridge and does not create sessions for traffic that is simply bridged between interfaces. Even with 'log all sessions' enabled on the policy, if the policy action is 'accept' without explicit logging enabled (i.e., the 'Logging' option is not set to 'All Sessions' or 'Security Events'), the traffic is forwarded without session logging. This is because transparent mode policies require separate logging configuration to generate logs, and the default 'accept' action does not log unless specifically configured.
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.
✓
Traffic is being bridged without session creation because the policy is set to 'accept' without logging enabled.
Why this is correct
In transparent mode, traffic might not create sessions unless logging is explicitly enabled.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The FortiGate is not operating in a VDOM.
Why it's wrong here
VDOMs are not required for logging.
✗
The FortiGate is in transparent mode and cannot log traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Transparent mode supports logging.
✗
The log memory buffer is full and not sending to syslog.
Why it's wrong here
This would affect new logs, but the issue is that logs are not generated.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume 'log all sessions' on the policy automatically logs all traffic, but in transparent mode, the policy must also have logging explicitly enabled (e.g., set to 'All Sessions') for logs to be generated, as the default 'accept' action does not log.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In transparent mode, FortiGate processes traffic using a bridge table and does not create a session for every packet unless a policy explicitly requires session-based inspection (e.g., for application control or logging). The 'log all sessions' option on a policy only takes effect when the policy action is set to 'accept' and the logging option is configured to 'All Sessions' or 'Security Events'; otherwise, the traffic is forwarded without any log entry. This behavior is defined in the FortiOS Administration Guide under transparent mode policy configuration.
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: Traffic is being bridged without session creation because the policy is set to 'accept' without logging enabled. — In transparent mode, FortiGate acts as a Layer 2 bridge and does not create sessions for traffic that is simply bridged between interfaces. Even with 'log all sessions' enabled on the policy, if the policy action is 'accept' without explicit logging enabled (i.e., the 'Logging' option is not set to 'All Sessions' or 'Security Events'), the traffic is forwarded without session logging. This is because transparent mode policies require separate logging configuration to generate logs, and the default 'accept' action does not log unless specifically configured.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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