Quick Answer
The answer is the Sessions algorithm. This is correct because SD-WAN load balancing by session count distributes new sessions across WAN links based on the current number of active sessions on each link, ensuring an even distribution of traffic volume rather than balancing by bandwidth usage or latency. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your understanding of the different SD-WAN load balancing strategies and their specific use cases; a common trap is confusing the Sessions algorithm with the Volume or Spillover algorithms, which prioritize bandwidth thresholds rather than session counts. Remember that when the administrator’s goal is to balance traffic by the number of sessions, not by bytes transferred, Sessions is the only algorithm that directly counts and equalizes session loads across links. A helpful memory tip: think of “Sessions” as “Sessions count,” and avoid the trap of choosing “Volume” just because it sounds like load balancing—Volume actually balances by total traffic bytes, not session numbers.
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking and sd-wan. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An administrator wants to load balance traffic across two WAN links by session count. Which SD-WAN load balancing algorithm should they use?
Sessions
The sessions algorithm distributes sessions based on the number of active sessions per interface.
Spillover
Why wrong: Spillover sends traffic to a secondary link only when the primary reaches a threshold.
Lowest-cost
Why wrong: Lowest-cost selects the link with the lowest cost based on SLA metrics.
Volume
Why wrong: Volume balances by traffic volume, not session count.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Sessions
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Sessions
Why this is correct
The sessions algorithm distributes sessions based on the number of active sessions per interface.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Spillover
Why it's wrong here
Spillover sends traffic to a secondary link only when the primary reaches a threshold.
Lowest-cost
Why it's wrong here
Lowest-cost selects the link with the lowest cost based on SLA metrics.
Volume
Why it's wrong here
Volume balances by traffic volume, not session count.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the NSE7 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Sessions
Identify which NSE7 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A network administrator needs to configure SD-WAN on a FortiGate to distribute traffic across two WAN links based on session count. Which load balancing algorithm should be selected in the SD-WAN rule?
easyWhy D: The 'sessions' algorithm distributes new sessions across members proportionally to the number of active sessions, achieving session-based load balancing.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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.
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