Match each FortiGate authentication method to its protocol.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus
Fortinet Single Sign-On
Public Key Infrastructure
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
LDAP: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
FortiGate supports multiple authentication methods, each using a specific protocol. LDAP uses LDAP, RADIUS uses RADIUS, TACACS+ uses TACACS+, and SAML uses SAML. Common confusions include swapping LDAP and RADIUS definitions.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
LDAP: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
Why this is correct
LDAP uses the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol for authentication and directory lookups.
RADIUS: Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
Why this is correct
RADIUS uses the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service protocol for AAA services.
TACACS+: Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus
Why this is correct
TACACS+ uses the Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus protocol, separating authentication, authorization, and accounting.
SAML: Security Assertion Markup Language
Why this is correct
SAML uses the Security Assertion Markup Language for single sign-on authentication.
LDAP: Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes RADIUS, not LDAP. LDAP uses the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.
RADIUS: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes LDAP, not RADIUS. RADIUS uses the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service.
Quick reference
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
About these practice questions
One of 940 original NSE7 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This NSE7 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Fortinet certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the NSE7 exam.