Quick Answer
The answer is the Sessions algorithm. This SD-WAN load balancing algorithm distributes traffic based on the number of active sessions per SD-WAN member, meaning the member with the fewest current sessions receives the next new connection. It is correct because it focuses purely on session count as the metric, unlike other algorithms that consider bandwidth, latency, or volume. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this tests your understanding of how SD-WAN load balancing methods differ in their decision logic; a common trap is confusing Sessions with the Volume algorithm, which tracks bytes transferred rather than connection count. To remember, think of a bank teller line: the Sessions algorithm sends the next customer to the teller with the shortest line, regardless of how complex each customer’s transaction might be.
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.
Which SD-WAN load balancing algorithm distributes traffic based on the number of active sessions per SD-WAN member?
Sessions
Sessions balances by number of active sessions.
Source-dest-IP
Why wrong: Source-dest-IP hashes based on source/destination IP.
Spillover
Why wrong: Spillover sends excess traffic to another member.
Volume
Why wrong: Volume uses 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
The sessions algorithm bases distribution on the current session count on each member.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
Sessions balances by number of active sessions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Source-dest-IP
Why it's wrong here
Source-dest-IP hashes based on source/destination IP.
Spillover
Why it's wrong here
Spillover sends excess traffic to another member.
Volume
Why it's wrong here
Volume uses 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 — The sessions algorithm bases distribution on the current session count on each member.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. Which SD-WAN load balancing algorithm distributes new sessions based on the number of active sessions on each link?
easyVariation 2. Which SD-WAN load balancing algorithm distributes traffic based on the number of active sessions per interface?
easyWhy A: The 'sessions' algorithm balances by session count. Other algorithms use volume, spillover, source-dest IP hash, or lowest cost.
Variation 3. Which load balancing algorithm in SD-WAN sends new sessions to the member interface with the least number of active sessions?
easyLast 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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