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
Router-id is required for OSPF operation, but its absence would prevent adjacency, not specifically ABR status.
- ✗
The OSPF process is not enabled
Why it's wrong here
If OSPF is not enabled, no routing would occur at all.
- ✗
The network type is set to point-to-point
Why it's wrong here
Network type does not affect ABR status.
- ✓
There is no interface assigned to area 0
Why this is correct
An ABR must have at least one interface in area 0 and one in another area.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 940 original NSE7 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
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.