NGFW-Engineer PAN OS Networking Configuration Practice Question
In HA, what is the difference between 'Active/Passive' and 'Active/Active' modes?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Active/Active uses both firewalls for session processing
Active/Active mode allows both firewalls to process traffic simultaneously and requires link aggregation or specific load balancing, whereas Active/Passive only uses one firewall for traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Active/Active is only for Layer 2 deployments
Why it's wrong here
It works in L3 as well.
- ✓
Active/Active uses both firewalls for session processing
Why this is correct
Both nodes actively process traffic in A/A.
- ✗
Active/Passive uses both firewalls for session processing
Why it's wrong here
Passive nodes do not process traffic.
- ✗
Active/Passive requires dedicated HA links
Why it's wrong here
Both modes require HA links.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This NGFW-Engineer practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 NGFW-Engineer exam.