NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
An administrator configures a performance SLA to monitor a remote server. The SLA status shows 'dead' for one WAN member. The administrator checks the interface and sees that it is up and passing other traffic. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume an 'up' interface and passing traffic guarantee SLA success, overlooking that the SLA probe uses a specific protocol and port that may not match the server's actual response behavior.
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
✓
The SLA probe is using TCP port 80 but the server is only responding to ICMP
The performance SLA status shows 'dead' because the probe is failing to reach the remote server. The administrator configured the SLA to use TCP port 80, but the server only responds to ICMP. Since the probe packets (TCP SYN) are not being acknowledged, the SLA marks the member as dead, even though the interface is up and other traffic (e.g., ICMP) passes successfully.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The FortiGate's routing table does not have a route to the probe target
Why it's wrong here
If the interface is up and passing traffic, routing exists.
- ✗
The interface is not added as an SD-WAN member
Why it's wrong here
If the interface is not a member, it wouldn't be monitored by the SLA.
- ✓
The SLA probe is using TCP port 80 but the server is only responding to ICMP
Why this is correct
If the probe type does not match the server's response, the SLA fails even if the link is up.
- ✗
The SLA probe interval is set too high
Why it's wrong here
High interval could cause delayed detection, but not permanent dead status.
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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.