The correct answer requires creating a VDOM link and assigning an interface to each VDOM, then configuring static routes on both VDOM-A and VDOM-B pointing to the VDOM link interface as the next hop. This is necessary because inter-VDOM routing configuration steps for a VDOM link rely on the link acting as a virtual point-to-point connection; without explicit static routes, each VDOM has no knowledge of the other’s subnets, so the FortiGate drops the traffic. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your understanding that a VDOM link is not automatically routed—it requires manual route injection, a common trap where candidates assume the link alone is sufficient. Remember the memory tip: “Link plus route, or traffic won’t scoot”—the VDOM link provides the cable, but static routes provide the map.
NSE7 Enterprise Firewall and VDOMs Practice Question
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of enterprise firewall and vdoms. 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 admin configures inter-VDOM routing between VDOM-A and VDOM-B using a VDOM link. The admin wants traffic from VDOM-A to reach a server in VDOM-B. Which three configuration steps are required? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure static routes pointing to the VDOM link interface on both VDOMs
Option B is correct because inter-VDOM routing via a VDOM link requires each VDOM to have a static route pointing to the VDOM link interface as the next hop. Without these routes, traffic from VDOM-A destined for a server in VDOM-B would have no path to the VDOM link, and the FortiGate would drop the packets. The static route ensures the firewall can forward traffic between the two VDOMs across the VDOM link.
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.
✗
Enable NAT on the VDOM link interface
Why it's wrong here
NAT is not required for inter-VDOM routing unless destination networks overlap.
✓
Configure static routes pointing to the VDOM link interface on both VDOMs
Why this is correct
Routes are needed to direct traffic towards the other VDOM via the link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Configure a firewall policy on VDOM-A allowing traffic to the VDOM link interface
Why this is correct
Traffic must be permitted by a firewall policy on the source VDOM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable ARP on the VDOM link interfaces
Why it's wrong here
ARP should be enabled for proper layer 2 communication on the link.
✓
Create a VDOM link and assign an interface to each VDOM
Why this is correct
The VDOM link provides the logical connection; each VDOM gets one interface of the link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume VDOM links automatically route traffic between VDOMs, but they forget that each VDOM maintains its own independent routing table, so explicit static routes are mandatory for inter-VDOM communication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VDOM links are virtual point-to-point connections that function like a crossover cable between two VDOMs, each with its own routing table and firewall policies. Traffic traversing the VDOM link is subject to firewall policies on both sides, and the link interfaces are treated as regular Layer 3 interfaces, requiring ARP for neighbor discovery. In a real-world scenario, if you omit static routes, the FortiGate will generate an ICMP 'Network Unreachable' message, and the traffic will never reach the VDOM link.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Enterprise Firewall and VDOMs — This question tests Enterprise Firewall and VDOMs — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure static routes pointing to the VDOM link interface on both VDOMs — Option B is correct because inter-VDOM routing via a VDOM link requires each VDOM to have a static route pointing to the VDOM link interface as the next hop. Without these routes, traffic from VDOM-A destined for a server in VDOM-B would have no path to the VDOM link, and the FortiGate would drop the packets. The static route ensures the firewall can forward traffic between the two VDOMs across the VDOM link.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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