The answer is that the routes are learned via different routing protocols with different administrative distances. For ECMP to load balance traffic on a FortiGate, all routes must have identical administrative distances, as well as equal metrics, because the FortiGate uses the administrative distance as the primary tiebreaker when selecting routes for the routing table. If one WAN link is learned via static routing (default AD of 10) and the other via OSPF (default AD of 110), the static route will always be preferred, breaking ECMP load balancing even if the metrics match. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of route selection precedence and the specific conditions required for ECMP to function. A common trap is assuming equal metrics alone guarantee load balancing, but the exam emphasizes that differing administrative distances prevent ECMP from engaging. Memory tip: "AD first, metric second—if ADs differ, ECMP is rejected."
NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking and sd-wan. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An administrator wants to load-balance traffic across two WAN links using ECMP. The routes have equal distances and metrics. However, traffic is only using one of the links. What could be the cause?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The routes are learned via different routing protocols with different administrative distances.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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 routes are learned via different routing protocols with different administrative distances.
Why this is correct
ECMP requires equal distances; if one route has a lower distance, it will be preferred.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
ECMP is not enabled globally under config system settings.
Why it's wrong here
ECMP is enabled by default; disabling it would cause this.
✗
The firewall policy is configured to use a specific egress interface.
Why it's wrong here
Policy can override routing, but typically routing decides.
✗
The traffic is session-based and ECMP uses per-packet load balancing.
Why it's wrong here
FortiGate ECMP is per-session by default.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the NSE7 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The routes are learned via different routing protocols with different administrative distances.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Identify which NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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