Quick Answer
The answer is the `diagnose log device status` command. This is the correct choice because it verifies connectivity at the FGFM (FortiGate-to-FortiAnalyzer) protocol level, checking the device status and last-acknowledged sequence number, which is essential for confirming that the FortiGate and FortiAnalyzer are properly communicating for log transmission. On the Fortinet NSE 4 Network Security Professional exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between network-layer reachability (ping) and application-layer log connectivity, a common trap where candidates mistakenly choose `ping 192.168.1.100`. The `diagnose log device status` command is the definitive tool for FortiGate FortiAnalyzer connectivity verification, as it reports whether the FortiAnalyzer is connected, disconnected, or in a registration state. A helpful memory tip: think "diagnose log device" as "diagnose the log device's handshake"—if the status shows "connected" with a recent sequence number, your logs are flowing; if it shows "disconnected," the FGFM tunnel is broken, regardless of ping results.
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 administrator wants to send logs to a FortiAnalyzer. The FortiAnalyzer IP is 192.168.1.100, and logging is configured under Log & Report. However, no logs are being received. Which command should the administrator use on the FortiGate to verify connectivity to the FortiAnalyzer?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
diagnose log device status
This command shows the status of log devices, including connection state and last log time.
execute ping 192.168.1.100
Why wrong: Ping only tests basic connectivity, not the logging service.
show full-configuration log fortianalyzer
Why wrong: This shows configuration but not connectivity status.
get system ha status
Why wrong: HA status is unrelated to logging.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
diagnose log device status
Option A is correct because the 'diagnose log device status' command specifically checks the connectivity status and last-acknowledged sequence number between the FortiGate and the configured FortiAnalyzer. This command verifies whether the FortiGate can reach the FortiAnalyzer at the logging protocol level (FGFM), which is essential for log transmission, unlike a basic ICMP ping that only tests network-layer reachability.
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.
diagnose log device status
Why this is correct
This command shows the status of log devices, including connection state and last log time.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
execute ping 192.168.1.100
Why it's wrong here
Ping only tests basic connectivity, not the logging service.
show full-configuration log fortianalyzer
Why it's wrong here
This shows configuration but not connectivity status.
get system ha status
Why it's wrong here
HA status is unrelated to logging.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates assume a successful ping (Option B) proves log connectivity, but the NSE4 exam tests the distinction between network-layer reachability and application-layer log protocol status, making the diagnostic command the only correct verification method.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows configuration but not connectivity status.
Detailed technical explanation
The FortiGate uses the FGFM (FortiGate/FortiManager) protocol over TCP port 514 (or 443 for encrypted sessions) to communicate with FortiAnalyzer. The 'diagnose log device status' command reveals the 'last-ack' value, which indicates whether the FortiAnalyzer has acknowledged receipt of logs; a value of 0 or a 'down' status points to a broken FGFM tunnel, often due to mismatched serial numbers, firewall rules, or certificate issues. In real-world scenarios, a ping may succeed but logs still fail because the FortiAnalyzer is not licensed, the interface is not configured for logging, or the FGFM handshake is incomplete.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: diagnose log device status — Option A is correct because the 'diagnose log device status' command specifically checks the connectivity status and last-acknowledged sequence number between the FortiGate and the configured FortiAnalyzer. This command verifies whether the FortiGate can reach the FortiAnalyzer at the logging protocol level (FGFM), which is essential for log transmission, unlike a basic ICMP ping that only tests network-layer reachability.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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