NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
A FortiGate running FortiOS 7.2 has multiple WAN interfaces. The administrator is configuring SD-WAN load balancing with the 'volume' algorithm. The requirement is that each interface carries a percentage of total traffic based on its bandwidth capacity. The administrator sets the 'weight' of each interface accordingly. However, traffic distribution is not as expected. Which TWO factors could cause this discrepancy?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume the 'volume' algorithm distributes traffic based on real-time link utilization or throughput, when in fact it relies solely on static weight values derived from configured bandwidth settings, not actual link capacity.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The interface bandwidth settings (speed) do not reflect actual link capacity
The 'volume' algorithm in FortiOS SD-WAN distributes traffic proportionally based on the configured interface weights, but these weights are derived from the interface bandwidth settings (speed). If the configured bandwidth does not match the actual link capacity, the weight ratios will be incorrect, leading to unexpected traffic distribution. The administrator must ensure that the 'speed' setting under each interface accurately reflects the real bandwidth to achieve the desired load balancing.
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 weight values are not in the range 1-100
Why it's wrong here
Weight can be any integer; the range is not limited to 1-100.
- ✗
The load balancing algorithm is set to 'per-packet' instead of 'volume'
Why it's wrong here
Per-packet is not an algorithm option.
- ✗
The performance SLA is set to 'disable' on some interfaces, causing them to be excluded
Why it's wrong here
SLA should be enabled for health, but not directly affect volume distribution.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This NSE7 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 NSE7 exam.