NSE7 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics Practice Question
A network administrator is troubleshooting a split-brain scenario in an HA cluster. Which TWO conditions can cause split-brain? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Loss of heartbeat link between HA members
Options A and D are correct. Loss of HA heartbeat communication (A) causes both units to think they are primary. Mismatched HA configuration (D) can also cause split-brain. Option B causes failover but not split-brain. Option C is irrelevant.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Loss of heartbeat link between HA members
Why this is correct
Without heartbeat, each unit assumes the other is down and becomes primary.
- ✗
One unit has a higher priority
Why it's wrong here
Higher priority determines primary, does not cause split-brain.
- ✗
Firmware version mismatch
Why it's wrong here
Firmware mismatch is not supported but may cause issues, not necessarily split-brain.
- ✓
Mismatched HA configuration (e.g., different HA mode)
Why this is correct
Mismatched config can prevent proper negotiation.
- ✗
Session pickup is disabled
Why it's wrong here
Session pickup does not affect split-brain.
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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.