The answer is to enable 'redistribute static' under the OSPF router configuration. This is essential because OSPF, by default, does not automatically inject any routes learned outside its process—including static routes—into its link-state database. Without explicit redistribution enabled, the static route 192.168.100.0/24 remains unknown to OSPF neighbors, even if it is configured on the FortiGate. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your understanding of OSPF route redistribution fundamentals, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume static routes are automatically shared. A common mistake is to focus on area configuration or route filtering before enabling the basic redistribution command. Remember the memory tip: "OSPF is an introvert—it won't share your static routes unless you tell it to." Always verify that 'redistribute static' is enabled under config router ospf before applying route maps or setting metric values.
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 is running OSPF with multiple areas. The admin wants to redistribute a static route (192.168.100.0/24) into OSPF area 0. The route is configured as a static route on the FortiGate. Which configuration step is essential to ensure the static route is redistributed into OSPF?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable 'redistribute static' under the OSPF router configuration
Option B is correct because OSPF does not redistribute static routes by default. The 'redistribute static' command must be configured under the OSPF process, and optionally route maps can filter, but redistribution must be enabled.
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.
✗
Create a prefix list to allow the static route and apply it to the OSPF area
Why it's wrong here
Prefix lists can filter routes but do not enable redistribution. Redistribution must be active.
✗
Set the administrative distance of the static route to 110
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: Enable 'redistribute static' under the OSPF router configuration — Option B is correct because OSPF does not redistribute static routes by default. The 'redistribute static' command must be configured under the OSPF process, and optionally route maps can filter, but redistribution must be enabled.
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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