NSE7 Virtual-Link Practice Question
A network admin configures OSPF on a FortiGate with multiple areas, including one area that is not directly connected to the backbone (Area 0). To ensure that routes from that area are advertised into other areas, which OSPF feature must be properly configured?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates may think OSPF route redistribution is needed for inter-area routes, but OSPF internally uses ABRs to automatically generate Type 3 LSAs. Virtual-links are a specific feature to connect isolated areas to the backbone, which is necessary for inter-area routing in such topologies.
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
✓
OSPF virtual-link
OSPF virtual-links are used to connect a non-backbone area to the backbone area through a transit area. This ensures that the area has a logical path to the backbone, allowing ABRs to generate Type 3 summary LSAs and advertise routes between areas. Without proper virtual-link configuration, routes from an area not directly connected to the backbone cannot be advertised to other areas.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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OSPF route redistribution
Why it's wrong here
OSPF route redistribution is used to inject external routes (from other protocols or static routes) into OSPF, not for inter-area route advertisement within OSPF. Internal OSPF routes between areas are handled automatically by ABRs.
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OSPF passive interface
Why it's wrong here
OSPF passive interface prevents the interface from sending OSPF hello packets, which is used to suppress adjacency formation on that interface. It does not affect inter-area route advertisement.
- ✓
OSPF virtual-link
Why this is correct
Correct. OSPF virtual-links create a logical connection from a non-backbone area to the backbone area, enabling inter-area route advertisement through Type 3 LSAs generated by ABRs.
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OSPF network type
Why it's wrong here
OSPF network type defines the behavior of OSPF on a specific interface (e.g., broadcast, point-to-point). It does not directly enable inter-area route advertisement.
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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.