NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
An administrator configures OSPF on a FortiGate with multiple areas. After configuration, the FortiGate does not become an ABR. What is the most likely reason?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume ABR status is tied to router-id configuration or OSPF process enablement, but the critical requirement is the presence of an interface in area 0, which is a fundamental OSPF design rule that is frequently overlooked.
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
✓
There is no interface assigned to area 0
For a FortiGate to function as an OSPF Area Border Router (ABR), it must have at least one interface assigned to the backbone area (area 0) and at least one interface assigned to a non-backbone area. Without an interface in area 0, the FortiGate cannot generate Type 3 summary LSAs or perform inter-area routing, so it remains an internal router. Option D is correct because the absence of an interface in area 0 is the most direct and common reason for a FortiGate not becoming an ABR.
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 router-id is not configured
Why it's wrong here
FortiGate derives a router-id from an interface address when none is set manually, so OSPF still forms adjacencies and can become an ABR. Explicit router-id configuration matters when you must guarantee a stable, unique identifier across restarts or virtual interfaces.
- ✗
The OSPF process is not enabled
Why it's wrong here
If the OSPF process were not enabled, no adjacencies or LSAs would form at all, so the FortiGate would not participate in any area, not merely fail ABR status. Enabling the process is the prerequisite step before any area or interface configuration takes effect.
- ✗
The network type is set to point-to-point
Why it's wrong here
Point-to-point is a valid OSPF network type on an interface and does not prevent ABR status; ABR requires interfaces in at least two areas with adjacency. Point-to-point suits linking exactly two routers directly, where no DR or BDR election is needed.
- ✓
There is no interface assigned to area 0
Why this is correct
An OSPF router becomes an ABR only when it has interfaces in multiple areas, one of which must be the backbone area 0. Without any interface assigned to area 0, the FortiGate cannot form the required backbone adjacency.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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