Quick Answer
The correct answer is to set the load balancing algorithm to 'sessions' and configure the SD-WAN rule to reference a performance SLA for health checks. This works because the 'sessions' algorithm distributes new outbound sessions evenly across the WAN interfaces based on current session counts, while the performance SLA ensures that only healthy links—those passing the configured latency, jitter, or packet-loss thresholds—are included in the load-balancing pool. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that SD-WAN load balancing is applied per rule, not globally, and that health-check integration is a separate but mandatory step to prevent traffic from being sent to a failed link. A common trap is assuming the algorithm alone handles link health; in reality, the rule must explicitly tie to the SLA. Memory tip: think “Sessions for spread, SLA for dead”—the algorithm spreads sessions, the SLA kills dead links.
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 network administrator is configuring SD-WAN on a FortiGate to control outbound internet traffic. The requirement is to load balance traffic across two WAN interfaces (port1 and port2) based on the number of new sessions, but only when both links are healthy. The administrator has added both interfaces to the SD-WAN zone and configured performance SLAs. Which TWO additional configuration steps are necessary to implement this requirement?
Enable 'ECMP load balancing' in the routing settings
Why wrong: ECMP is for routing, not SD-WAN load balancing.
Configure a policy-based routing rule to direct traffic to the SD-WAN zone
Why wrong: Policy-based routing is not needed; the SD-WAN rule itself directs traffic.
Set the 'sla-check' under config system sdwan to 'enable'
Why wrong: The sla-check is enabled automatically when referenced in a rule; no global setting.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure the SD-WAN rule to use a performance SLA for health checking
SD-WAN load balancing is configured in the SD-WAN rules. Setting the load balancing algorithm to 'sessions' achieves session-based distribution. The rule must also be configured to use the performance SLA to check link health, typically by setting the 'health check' field under SD-WAN rule strategy. Option A is correct because the algorithm must be set to 'sessions'. Option D is correct because the rule must reference a performance SLA to consider link health.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enable 'ECMP load balancing' in the routing settings
Why it's wrong here
ECMP is for routing, not SD-WAN load balancing.
Configure a policy-based routing rule to direct traffic to the SD-WAN zone
Why it's wrong here
Policy-based routing is not needed; the SD-WAN rule itself directs traffic.
Set the 'sla-check' under config system sdwan to 'enable'
Why it's wrong here
The sla-check is enabled automatically when referenced in a rule; no global setting.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
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FAQ
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Configure the SD-WAN rule to use a performance SLA for health checking — SD-WAN load balancing is configured in the SD-WAN rules. Setting the load balancing algorithm to 'sessions' achieves session-based distribution. The rule must also be configured to use the performance SLA to check link health, typically by setting the 'health check' field under SD-WAN rule strategy. Option A is correct because the algorithm must be set to 'sessions'. Option D is correct because the rule must reference a performance SLA to consider link health.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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