The correct answer is to configure a policy route to direct the specific destination to port2. This works because a policy route, also known as policy-based routing (PBR), overrides the routing table for matched traffic, allowing you to bypass the default route selection logic. In this scenario, both static default routes have equal distance and priority, so the FortiGate would normally use ECMP or the lowest-cost route, sending traffic out port1. A policy route matches the specific public IP and forces that traffic out port2, overriding the default behavior. On the Fortinet NSE 4 exam, this tests your understanding of how policy routes take precedence over static routes for specific traffic flows—a common trap is thinking you need to adjust the default route distance or priority, but that would affect all traffic, not just the specific destination. Remember the memory tip: “Policy first, then route table”—policy routes are evaluated before the routing table lookup, so they can override any default route for granular control.
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 has two internet connections: port1 (ISP1) and port2 (ISP2). An administrator configures two static default routes with equal distance and priority. Traffic to a specific public IP is observed going out port1, but the admin wants it to go out port2. What should be configured?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure a policy route to direct the specific destination to port2
Policy routes (also called PBR) override the routing table for specific traffic matches. Since both default routes have equal distance and priority, the FortiGate uses ECMP or the route with the lowest cost by default. A policy route can match the specific destination IP and force the traffic out port2, bypassing the routing table lookup.
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.
✗
Use ECMP with source-based hashing
Why it's wrong here
ECMP load-balances, not pin specific traffic.
✓
Configure a policy route to direct the specific destination to port2
Why this is correct
Policy routing allows granular control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the administrative distance of the default route on port1
Why it's wrong here
This would make port1 less preferred for all traffic, not just a specific IP.
✗
Configure a blackhole route
Why it's wrong here
Blackhole routes drop traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume ECMP or route metrics can selectively steer a single destination, but policy routing is the only method that overrides the routing table for specific traffic without affecting other flows.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Policy routes in FortiOS are evaluated before the routing table and can match on source/destination IP, port, protocol, or application. They use a higher priority than static routes (priority 0 by default) and are processed in sequence order. In real-world scenarios, this is used for asymmetric routing control or to direct traffic from specific servers through a dedicated ISP without altering the global routing table.
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 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
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 a policy route to direct the specific destination to port2 — Policy routes (also called PBR) override the routing table for specific traffic matches. Since both default routes have equal distance and priority, the FortiGate uses ECMP or the route with the lowest cost by default. A policy route can match the specific destination IP and force the traffic out port2, bypassing the routing table lookup.
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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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
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