NSE7 Advanced VPN and Zero Trust Practice Question
In a hub-and-spoke ADVPN deployment, the spoke FortiGates are configured with IKEv2 and the hub has ADVPN enabled. After initial setup, spokes communicate through the hub. The administrator wants to enable shortcut tunnels so that spokes can directly communicate. What additional configuration is required on the spokes?
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
✓
Enable 'set auto-discovery-sender' on the spoke's phase 1 interface
In ADVPN, shortcut tunnels allow spokes to communicate directly without traversing the hub. For spokes to initiate shortcut setup, they must have 'set auto-discovery-sender' enabled on the phase 1 interface to the hub. This setting allows the spoke to send route information to other spokes via the hub, enabling the hub to assist in shortcut negotiation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enable 'set auto-discovery-sender' on the spoke's phase 1 interface
Why this is correct
The spoke must be configured as auto-discovery sender to initiate shortcut tunnels.
- ✗
Enable 'set add-route' on the hub's phase 1 configuration
Why it's wrong here
The hub adds routes for spoke networks, but shortcut tunneling requires spoke configuration.
- ✗
Set 'set dpd retrycount' to a higher value on the spoke
Why it's wrong here
DPD retry count affects dead peer detection, not shortcut tunnel establishment.
- ✗
Configure a static route on the spoke pointing to the hub
Why it's wrong here
Static routes are not directly related to ADVPN shortcut negotiation.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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