Quick Answer
The answer is the command diagnose debug application ike -1. This is the correct choice because it enables detailed IKE debugging, displaying the full sequence of phase 1 and phase 2 negotiation messages, including proposal exchanges, authentication, and keying material. When troubleshooting an IPsec VPN phase 1 negotiation failure on a FortiGate, this command reveals exactly where the handshake breaks down—whether due to mismatched pre-shared keys, proposal mismatches, or authentication errors. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this question tests your ability to recall the precise debug syntax for IKE, a common troubleshooting scenario in the VPN section. A frequent trap is confusing this with diagnose debug application ipsec, which shows only IPsec SA status, not the negotiation details. Remember the memory tip: “IKE minus one” (ike -1) gives you the full IKE story from start to finish.
This NSE7 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and diagnostics. 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.
When troubleshooting an IPsec VPN phase 1 negotiation failure, which debug command should the administrator run to see detailed IKE negotiation messages?
diagnose vpn ike log
Why wrong: This is not a valid FortiOS command.
diagnose debug application ike -1
This enables IKE debug with level -1 for verbose output.
get vpn ipsec tunnel details
Why wrong: This shows tunnel status but not real-time negotiation details.
diagnose debug application ipsec -1
Why wrong: This command is not standard; correct is 'diagnose debug application ike'.
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 debug application ike -1
The command 'diagnose debug application ike -1' enables detailed IKE debugging, showing phase 1 and phase 2 negotiation steps.
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.
diagnose vpn ike log
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid FortiOS command.
diagnose debug application ike -1
Why this is correct
This enables IKE debug with level -1 for verbose output.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
get vpn ipsec tunnel details
Why it's wrong here
This shows tunnel status but not real-time negotiation details.
diagnose debug application ipsec -1
Why it's wrong here
This command is not standard; correct is 'diagnose debug application ike'.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is not a valid FortiOS command.
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
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — This question tests Troubleshooting and Diagnostics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: diagnose debug application ike -1 — The command 'diagnose debug application ike -1' enables detailed IKE debugging, showing phase 1 and phase 2 negotiation steps.
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.
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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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