The answer is OSPF route redistribution. This is the correct choice because, by default, OSPF does not automatically share routes between different areas; each area maintains its own link-state database, and routes learned in one area are not advertised into another unless redistribution is explicitly configured. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how FortiGate handles multi-area OSPF, often appearing in scenarios where an admin expects inter-area routes to appear without any additional configuration—a common trap is confusing the normal intra-area flooding of LSAs with the need for redistribution to move routes across area boundaries. Remember that while Type 3 LSAs do carry inter-area prefixes, they are generated by ABRs only for routes already in the OSPF database; redistribution is required to inject external or routes from one area’s specific process into another. Memory tip: think of OSPF areas as separate rooms—redistribution is the door that lets routes walk from one room into the next.
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 network admin configures OSPF on a FortiGate with multiple areas. To ensure that routes from one area are advertised into another area, which OSPF feature must be properly configured?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
OSPF route redistribution
Route redistribution is used to inject routes from one OSPF area into another or from other protocols. Without redistribution, routes stay within their own area.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
OSPF route redistribution
Why this is correct
Route redistribution controls route advertisement between OSPF areas or from other protocols.
Passive interface prevents OSPF from sending hellos, not related to inter-area routing.
✗
OSPF virtual-link
Why it's wrong here
Virtual-links connect non-backbone areas to the backbone, but do not inherently redistribute routes between areas.
✗
OSPF network type
Why it's wrong here
Network type affects adjacency formation, not route advertisement between areas.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related NSE7 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: OSPF route redistribution — Route redistribution is used to inject routes from one OSPF area into another or from other protocols. Without redistribution, routes stay within their own area.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related NSE7 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Question Discussion
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