The answer is that proto_state=01 indicates the session is in the 'init' state, meaning the first SYN packet has been seen but the TCP three-way handshake is not yet complete. This is correct because FortiGate tracks TCP session progression through specific state codes: 01 represents the initial SYN sent phase, where the client has initiated the connection but the SYN-ACK from the server has not been received. On the Fortinet NSE 7 Advanced Security NSE7 exam, this concept tests your ability to interpret session table output for troubleshooting connectivity issues, often appearing alongside filters for specific ports like 443. A common trap is confusing proto_state=01 with an established session; remember that a fully established TCP connection shows proto_state=02 (post-SYN-ACK) or later states. For a quick memory tip, think "01 = One SYN sent, still waiting for the other side."
NSE7 Advanced Networking and SD-WAN Practice Question
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.
You run the following command on a FortiGate:
diagnose sys session filter dport 443
diagnose sys session list
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The session is in the 'init' state, meaning the first SYN packet has been seen but the handshake is not complete
Option B is correct. In FortiGate session table, proto_state values: 01 means the session is in the 'init' state (SYN sent, SYN-ACK not yet received). For TCP, this indicates the connection is being established.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The session is fully established and in the 'established' state
Why it's wrong here
Established state is typically '02' for TCP (SYN-ACK seen).
✓
The session is in the 'init' state, meaning the first SYN packet has been seen but the handshake is not complete
Why this is correct
proto_state=01 indicates the session is being initiated (SYN seen).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The session is a UDP or ICMP session with no state tracking
Why it's wrong here
UDP sessions have different state values; TCP state 01 is init.
✗
The session is being torn down (FIN or RST received)
Why it's wrong here
Tear-down states are typically '03' or '04'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — This question tests Advanced Networking and SD-WAN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The session is in the 'init' state, meaning the first SYN packet has been seen but the handshake is not complete — Option B is correct. In FortiGate session table, proto_state values: 01 means the session is in the 'init' state (SYN sent, SYN-ACK not yet received). For TCP, this indicates the connection is being established.
What should I do if I get this NSE7 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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. You run the following command on a FortiGate:
`diagnose sys session filter dport 443`
Output:
`proto=6 proto_state=01 duration=3600 expire=3599`
What does this output indicate?
hard
A.The session is for UDP port 443, is in state ESTABLISHED, and has 3599 bytes remaining.
✓ B.The session is for TCP port 443, is in state SYN_SENT, and has been active for 3600 seconds.
C.The session is for TCP port 443, is in state TIME_WAIT, and will expire in 3600 seconds.
D.The session is for TCP port 443, is in state FIN_WAIT, and will expire in 3599 seconds.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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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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