The answer is that the SD-WAN rule’s `set member` statement lists only wan1, which overrides the Maximize Bandwidth strategy. Even with both links alive and a volume-based load balancing algorithm configured, the rule explicitly restricts eligible interfaces; if wan2 is not listed as a member, traffic will never be distributed to it, regardless of capacity or SLA status. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security exam, this scenario tests your understanding that SD-WAN rule members take precedence over strategy settings—a common trap is assuming that a healthy SLA alone guarantees traffic will use a link. The Maximize Bandwidth strategy aims to maximize bandwidth by balancing volume across members, but it cannot act on interfaces excluded from the rule’s member list. A quick memory tip: “Members first, strategy second—if it’s not in the list, it won’t be kissed.”
NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking and sd-wan. 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 with two SD-WAN members (wan1, wan2) and a performance SLA for each. The SD-WAN rule uses 'Maximize Bandwidth' strategy with volume-based load balancing. The administrator notices that traffic is only using wan1, even though both links have capacity. The SLA status for wan2 shows 'alive'. What could be the problem?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The SD-WAN rule has a 'set member' statement that lists only wan1.
The 'Maximize Bandwidth' strategy distributes traffic based on volume, but if the algorithm is set to 'Volume' and the bandwidth ratio settings (set bandwidth-weight) are imbalanced, one link might be preferred. However, the most common cause is that the SD-WAN rule's 'dst' or 'src' match criteria are restricting traffic to only wan1, or the rule's 'set member' includes only wan1. Another possibility: the rule might have 'set priority' or 'set input-device' that forces traffic to wan1.
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.
✗
The link cost for wan2 is too high.
Why it's wrong here
Cost is used in 'Best Quality' strategy, not 'Maximize Bandwidth'.
✓
The SD-WAN rule has a 'set member' statement that lists only wan1.
Why this is correct
If the rule explicitly includes only wan1, traffic will not use wan2 even if the SLA is alive.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The performance SLA for wan2 is not associated with the SD-WAN rule.
Why it's wrong here
The SLA is for monitoring; the rule's strategy uses volume algorithm, not SLA.
✗
The bandwidth weight for wan2 is set to 0.
Why it's wrong here
A weight of 0 would still allow traffic, though minimal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 NSE7 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 NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The SD-WAN rule has a 'set member' statement that lists only wan1. — The 'Maximize Bandwidth' strategy distributes traffic based on volume, but if the algorithm is set to 'Volume' and the bandwidth ratio settings (set bandwidth-weight) are imbalanced, one link might be preferred. However, the most common cause is that the SD-WAN rule's 'dst' or 'src' match criteria are restricting traffic to only wan1, or the rule's 'set member' includes only wan1. Another possibility: the rule might have 'set priority' or 'set input-device' that forces traffic to wan1.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Identify which NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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