The answer is that auto-discovery is disabled on the hub FortiGate. For ADVPN shortcut tunnels to form between spokes, the hub must have the `set auto-discovery-sender enable` command configured, while each spoke requires `set auto-discovery-receiver enable`. Without the hub actively advertising its ability to relay shortcut routes via auto-discovery, spokes never receive the necessary routing information to initiate a direct tunnel, so they remain forced to communicate through the hub. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this is a classic trap: candidates often check spoke configurations first, but the hub’s auto-discovery-sender setting is the critical missing piece. The exam tests your understanding that the hub acts as the route reflector for ADVPN; if it cannot send updates, spokes cannot learn each other’s shortcut-capable IPsec gateways. A helpful memory tip is “Hub sends, Spoke receives”—if the hub doesn’t send, no shortcut ever forms.
NSE7 Advanced VPN and Zero Trust Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced vpn and zero trust. 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 network administrator configured a hub-and-spoke ADVPN with IKEv2. Spoke sites can establish tunnels to the hub, but shortcut tunnels are not being created between spokes. What is the MOST likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Auto-discovery is disabled on the hub FortiGate
For ADVPN shortcut tunnels to form, the hub must have 'set auto-discovery-sender enable' and spokes must have 'set auto-discovery-receiver enable'. If the hub does not advertise its ability to relay shortcut routes, spokes will not attempt to create direct tunnels.
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.
✗
Dead Peer Detection is disabled on the hub
Why it's wrong here
DPD detects peer liveness; disabling it could cause stale tunnels but does not prevent shortcut creation.
✓
Auto-discovery is disabled on the hub FortiGate
Why this is correct
Without auto-discovery enabled on the hub, it will not send route advertisements that trigger shortcut tunnel setup between spokes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The spokes are using different IKE versions
Why it's wrong here
All sites must use the same IKE version, but IKEv2 is consistent; this would cause full tunnel failure, not just shortcuts.
✗
The IKEv2 authentication method is not set to pre-shared key
Why it's wrong here
IKEv2 supports multiple auth methods; pre-shared key is not required for shortcut tunnels.
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 VPN and Zero Trust — This question tests Advanced VPN and Zero Trust — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Auto-discovery is disabled on the hub FortiGate — For ADVPN shortcut tunnels to form, the hub must have 'set auto-discovery-sender enable' and spokes must have 'set auto-discovery-receiver enable'. If the hub does not advertise its ability to relay shortcut routes, spokes will not attempt to create direct tunnels.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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