The answer is that the static route's outgoing interface (port1) is administratively down. When a FortiGate shows a BGP active state with a 'no route to peer' message, it means the routing table lacks a valid path to the peer IP, even if a static route is configured. A static route is only installed in the routing table if its outgoing interface is up and operational; if that interface is administratively down, the route is removed, causing the BGP session to fail to establish. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how BGP relies on the underlying routing table and that a static route is not automatically valid—it depends on interface status. A common trap is assuming any configured static route will work, but the exam emphasizes that a down interface invalidates the route entirely. Memory tip: "If the interface sleeps, the route it keeps."
NSE7 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and diagnostics. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
You are troubleshooting a BGP session between FortiGate and an ISP router. The FortiGate shows BGP state 'Active' and the debug output shows 'No route to peer'. The ISP router's loopback IP is 203.0.113.1, and the next-hop interface is port1 (10.0.0.1/30). The FortiGate has a static route to 203.0.113.1 via port1. What is the MOST likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The static route's outgoing interface (port1) is administratively down
The 'No route to peer' message indicates FortiGate cannot find a route to the peer IP. Even though a static route exists, if the route's outgoing interface is down, it's not in the routing table. Option C is correct because a down interface invalidates the static route.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 BGP neighbor IP is not reachable due to an ACL on the ISP router
Why it's wrong here
An ACL would cause 'connect failed' or 'open failed', not 'No route to peer' which is local.
✗
The BGP update-source is set to a different interface
Why it's wrong here
Update-source defines the source IP for the session; if unreachable, it might cause issues but would show different debug messages.
✓
The static route's outgoing interface (port1) is administratively down
Why this is correct
If port1 is down, the static route is removed from the routing table, causing 'No route to peer'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The BGP configuration has 'next-hop-self' disabled
Why it's wrong here
Next-hop-self affects route advertisement, not session establishment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Update-source defines the source IP for the session; if unreachable, it might cause issues but would show different debug messages.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related NSE7 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — This question tests Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The static route's outgoing interface (port1) is administratively down — The 'No route to peer' message indicates FortiGate cannot find a route to the peer IP. Even though a static route exists, if the route's outgoing interface is down, it's not in the routing table. Option C is correct because a down interface invalidates the static route.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related NSE7 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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