PCNSE Secure Access and VPN Practice Question
A network administrator configures GlobalProtect for remote users. Users report they can connect but cannot access internal resources. The firewall shows the user is connected with a valid IP. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume a successful VPN connection with a valid IP means all routing is correct, but the PCNSE exam tests the understanding that split tunneling configuration directly controls which subnets are reachable through the tunnel, and misconfiguration can leave internal resources inaccessible despite a connected state.
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
✓
Split tunneling is misconfigured, causing missing internal routes.
When GlobalProtect users can connect and obtain a valid IP but cannot access internal resources, the most common cause is misconfigured split tunneling. If split tunneling is not properly set to route internal traffic through the VPN tunnel, the client may not have the necessary routes for internal subnets, causing traffic to be sent directly to the internet instead of through the firewall. This results in connectivity to the gateway but failure to reach internal resources.
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 client's local firewall is blocking traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Client firewall may cause issues but is less likely on a corporate-managed device.
- ✗
The GlobalProtect gateway is not configured with the correct internal DNS suffix.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. DNS suffix is not required for access; users could use IP addresses.
- ✓
Split tunneling is misconfigured, causing missing internal routes.
Why this is correct
Correct. Missing routes prevent access to internal subnets.
- ✗
The authentication profile is set to require multi-factor authentication.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. MFA affects authentication, not post-connect access.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCNSE 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 PCNSE exam.