The answer is the lowest-cost algorithm. This is correct because it directly fulfills the requirement to use the link with the lowest cost as the primary path, and it includes a configurable threshold; when the cost of that primary link exceeds the threshold, traffic automatically fails over to the next best member, ensuring cost-based traffic steering without manual intervention. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your understanding of SD-WAN load balancing algorithms and their specific behaviors, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish lowest-cost from other algorithms like volume or spillover. A common trap is confusing lowest-cost with the simple "spillover" algorithm, but remember: spillover uses bandwidth thresholds, not cost thresholds. For a quick memory tip, think "lowest cost, first choice; over the threshold, next voice."
NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
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 wants to configure SD-WAN on a FortiGate with two internet connections (port1 and port2). The requirement is to use the link with the lowest cost as the primary path for all traffic, unless it exceeds a threshold. Which SD-WAN load balancing algorithm should the administrator choose?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Lowest-cost
The lowest-cost algorithm selects the member with the lowest cost value. If the cost exceeds a configurable threshold, traffic is sent to the next best member. This matches the requirement.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Spillover
Why it's wrong here
Spillover sends traffic to a member until its bandwidth threshold is exceeded, then spills to the next. Not based on cost.
✗
Sessions
Why it's wrong here
Sessions distributes sessions round-robin or by other criteria, not cost.
✓
Lowest-cost
Why this is correct
Lowest-cost selects the member with the lowest cost. If the cost exceeds a threshold, the next best member is used.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Volume
Why it's wrong here
Volume distributes traffic based on the volume of data sent per member, not cost.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Lowest-cost — The lowest-cost algorithm selects the member with the lowest cost value. If the cost exceeds a configurable threshold, traffic is sent to the next best member. This matches the requirement.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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