The answer is Source IP, because the Source IP hash method for ECMP load balancing ensures that all packets from a given source IP consistently use the same next-hop, providing per-source persistence. This works by hashing only the source IP address in the packet header, so every flow originating from that address maps to the same path, which is critical for stateful inspection and session continuity. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your understanding of ECMP load balancing algorithms and their impact on session persistence; a common trap is confusing Source IP with Source-Destination IP hash, which balances traffic more evenly but breaks per-source stickiness. Remember that Source IP hash prioritizes persistence over distribution, making it ideal when a single client’s entire session must stay on one link. A quick memory tip: “Source alone keeps the path your own.”
NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking and sd-wan. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A FortiGate has ECMP configured with two equal-cost routes to a destination. The administrator wants to ensure that all packets from a given source IP use the same next-hop. Which ECMP load balancing method should be configured?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Source IP
Source IP hash ensures that all traffic from a specific source IP goes to the same next-hop, providing session persistence without using source-destination IP pair.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Source IP
Why this is correct
Source IP hash ensures all traffic from the same source uses the same path, regardless of destination.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Destination IP
Why it's wrong here
Destination IP hash would send all traffic to a given destination via the same path, not per source.
✗
Source-destination IP
Why it's wrong here
Source-destination IP hash uses both source and destination, which may cause different next-hops for different destinations.
✗
Round robin
Why it's wrong here
Round robin distributes sessions evenly across paths, but does not guarantee source IP stickiness.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Source IP — Source IP hash ensures that all traffic from a specific source IP goes to the same next-hop, providing session persistence without using source-destination IP pair.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related NSE7 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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