The correct answer is that the session is an established TCP connection, as indicated by proto_state=01 in the diagnose sys session filter dport 443 output. This is because proto=6 corresponds to TCP, and the proto_state=01 value specifically maps to the TCP ESTABLISHED state within FortiGate’s session table, meaning the three-way handshake has completed and data is flowing. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this diagnostic command tests your ability to read real-time session details and distinguish between connection states like SYN_SENT (00), ESTABLISHED (01), or FIN_WAIT—a common trap is confusing proto_state=01 with a listening state, but it always represents an active, established flow. For a quick memory tip, remember that “01” looks like a vertical line, symbolizing a stable, upright connection, while “00” (SYN_SENT) resembles two zeros like open eyes waiting for a reply.
NSE7 Advanced VPN and Zero Trust Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced vpn and zero trust. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 run 'diagnose sys session filter dport 443' and see the following output:
proto=6 proto_state=01 duration=3600 expire=3599
What does this indicate about the traffic?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The session is an established TCP connection
The output shows a TCP session (proto=6), with proto_state=01 indicating the session is in the 'listen' or 'established' state? Actually, in FortiGate session diagnostics, proto_state=01 means the session is in the 'established' state (TCP state ESTABLISHED). The session has been up for 3600 seconds and will expire in 3599 seconds. Option A is correct because it's an established TCP session.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 session is being blocked by the firewall
Why it's wrong here
Blocked sessions would not show as established with duration/expire values.
✗
The session is in a half-open state, waiting for SYN-ACK
Why it's wrong here
Half-open state would be proto_state=00 or other values, not 01.
✓
The session is an established TCP connection
Why this is correct
proto=6 indicates TCP, and state 01 means established. The session is active and expected to continue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The session is a UDP connection with a long timeout
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Blocked sessions would not show as established with duration/expire values.
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 VPN and Zero Trust — This question tests Advanced VPN and Zero Trust — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The session is an established TCP connection — The output shows a TCP session (proto=6), with proto_state=01 indicating the session is in the 'listen' or 'established' state? Actually, in FortiGate session diagnostics, proto_state=01 means the session is in the 'established' state (TCP state ESTABLISHED). The session has been up for 3600 seconds and will expire in 3599 seconds. Option A is correct because it's an established TCP session.
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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