NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
An administrator is configuring a FortiGate for SD-WAN and wants to ensure that outgoing traffic from the internal network is distributed across two WAN links based on the number of active sessions. Which SD-WAN load balancing algorithm should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'volume' with 'session count'; volume balances data usage, while session count balances the number of connections.
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
✓
Session count
The 'session count' SD-WAN algorithm selects the member with the fewest active sessions, which directly load balances based on session count. Other algorithms like source IP, volume, or weighted round robin use different criteria such as source address, data volume, or static weights, and do not dynamically balance based on the number of active sessions. Therefore, 'session count' is the correct choice.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Weighted round robin
Why it's wrong here
Weighted round robin distributes sessions in a rotating manner according to configured weights. It does not dynamically consider the current session count on each link. It is a static distribution method. Thus, it does not meet the requirement of load balancing based on active sessions.
- ✗
Source IP based
Why it's wrong here
The 'source IP based' algorithm distributes sessions based on the source IP address, typically using a hash. It does not consider the current session count on each link. While it provides a form of load balancing, it does not achieve distribution based on the number of active sessions. Therefore, it does not meet the requirement.
- ✗
Volume
Why it's wrong here
The 'volume' algorithm distributes traffic based on the volume of data (bytes) sent through each link. It does not consider the number of sessions. While useful for balancing bandwidth usage, it does not fulfill the requirement to balance based on session count. Therefore, it is incorrect for this scenario.
- ✓
Session count
Why this is correct
The 'session count' algorithm selects the WAN member with the fewest active sessions. This directly satisfies the requirement to load balance based on the number of active sessions. It dynamically adjusts as sessions are created and torn down, making it ideal for scenarios where session load is the primary concern. This is the correct choice for the described scenario.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Fortinet exam blueprint
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