Quick Answer
The answer is the command `diagnose sys bfd session list`. This is the correct choice because it leverages FortiGate’s `diagnose` utility to display the current state of Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) sessions, including session state, local and remote discriminators, and timer values, which is essential for verifying fast failure detection in SD-WAN or dynamic routing protocols. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this command tests your ability to perform real-time BFD troubleshooting; a common trap is confusing it with `get router info bfd session`, which shows only static BFD configuration rather than live session states. To remember it, think of the mnemonic "Diagnose BFD List" — the word "diagnose" signals operational data, "BFD" is the protocol, and "list" tells you it’s a snapshot of all active sessions.
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking and sd-wan. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 command is used on a FortiGate to view the current state of BFD sessions?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
get router info bfd
Why wrong: This is a valid command but the correct syntax is often 'get router info bfd session' or 'diagnose sys bfd session list'.
show bfd sessions
Why wrong: This is not a standard FortiGate command.
execute bfd show
Why wrong: This is not a valid FortiGate command.
diagnose sys bfd session list
This shows BFD session details.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
diagnose sys bfd session list
Option D is correct because 'diagnose sys bfd session list' is the FortiGate CLI command used to display the current state of Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) sessions, including session state, local/remote discriminators, and timers. This command is part of the 'diagnose' utility, which provides detailed operational and diagnostic information for troubleshooting BFD in SD-WAN or routing contexts.
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.
get router info bfd
Why it's wrong here
This is a valid command but the correct syntax is often 'get router info bfd session' or 'diagnose sys bfd session list'.
show bfd sessions
Why it's wrong here
This is not a standard FortiGate command.
execute bfd show
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid FortiGate command.
diagnose sys bfd session list
Why this is correct
This shows BFD session details.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates familiar with Cisco IOS may instinctively choose 'show bfd sessions' (Option B), but FortiGate uses a different CLI syntax where 'diagnose' is the proper command for detailed operational state, not 'show' or 'execute'.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is a valid command but the correct syntax is often 'get router info bfd session' or 'diagnose sys bfd session list'.
Detailed technical explanation
BFD operates by establishing sessions between directly connected routers to detect forwarding path failures faster than routing protocol hello timers (e.g., sub-second detection). On FortiGate, 'diagnose sys bfd session list' outputs fields like 'state' (Up/Down), 'local discriminator', 'remote discriminator', 'desired min tx interval', and 'required min rx interval', which are critical for verifying SD-WAN link health and ensuring fast failover in active-active or active-passive configurations.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: diagnose sys bfd session list — Option D is correct because 'diagnose sys bfd session list' is the FortiGate CLI command used to display the current state of Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) sessions, including session state, local/remote discriminators, and timers. This command is part of the 'diagnose' utility, which provides detailed operational and diagnostic information for troubleshooting BFD in SD-WAN or routing contexts.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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