The correct method is to configure multiple syslog servers within a single `config log syslogd setting` block by enabling the service with `set status enable` and then listing both IP addresses using `set server <ip1> <ip2>`. This works because FortiGate’s syslog engine treats the space-separated list as a prioritized failover chain: it sends logs to the first server, and if that server becomes unreachable, it automatically switches to the next in line without needing separate configuration blocks or external load balancers. On the Fortinet NSE 4 exam, this question tests your understanding of centralized logging redundancy versus the common trap of trying to create multiple `syslogd` entries or using a single server with a load balancer. A helpful memory tip is to think of the `set server` command as a single line of backup: “First IP is primary, second IP is the spare—no extra blocks, just a space.”
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 a FortiGate to send logs to two different syslog servers for redundancy. Which configuration method should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Under 'config log syslogd setting', set 'status enable' and then add multiple servers using 'set server <ip1> <ip2>'.
Option A is correct because FortiGate's syslog configuration allows you to specify multiple syslog servers in a single 'config log syslogd setting' block by using the 'set server' command with a space-separated list of IP addresses. This enables redundant log delivery without requiring separate configuration blocks or external devices. The FortiGate will attempt to send logs to the first server; if it fails, it automatically fails over to the next server in the list.
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.
✓
Under 'config log syslogd setting', set 'status enable' and then add multiple servers using 'set server <ip1> <ip2>'.
Why this is correct
Multiple servers can be added in a space-separated list.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure two separate log settings for each server.
Why it's wrong here
There is only one syslogd setting, but multiple servers can be listed.
✗
Configure one syslog server and use a load balancer.
Why it's wrong here
Not efficient; FortiGate supports multiple servers directly.
✗
Use a FortiAnalyzer to forward logs to syslog servers.
Why it's wrong here
This adds unnecessary complexity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think they need to create separate syslog configuration blocks (Option B) or use external devices (Option C), when FortiGate's native 'set server' command with multiple IPs provides built-in redundancy without additional configuration complexity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the 'set server' command accepts up to three IP addresses (or FQDNs) for syslog servers. The FortiGate uses a primary/backup failover mechanism: it sends logs to the first server in the list, and if that server becomes unreachable (e.g., due to network failure or service down), it switches to the next server. This behavior is governed by the syslog protocol (RFC 5424) and FortiGate's internal health-check logic, which periodically tests connectivity to the primary server before falling back. In real-world scenarios, this ensures continuous log collection even during maintenance or outages of one syslog server.
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: Under 'config log syslogd setting', set 'status enable' and then add multiple servers using 'set server <ip1> <ip2>'. — Option A is correct because FortiGate's syslog configuration allows you to specify multiple syslog servers in a single 'config log syslogd setting' block by using the 'set server' command with a space-separated list of IP addresses. This enables redundant log delivery without requiring separate configuration blocks or external devices. The FortiGate will attempt to send logs to the first server; if it fails, it automatically fails over to the next server in the list.
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.
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Question Discussion
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