PCNSE Manage, Monitor and Operate Practice Question
A network administrator notices that traffic logs are not being sent to the external Syslog server. The log forwarding profile is configured correctly. Which CLI command should be used to verify the Syslog server connectivity from the firewall?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse basic network connectivity (ping) with application-layer service verification, assuming a successful ping means Syslog will work, but Syslog requires the specific port to be open and the service to be running.
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
✓
test syslog
The 'test syslog' command is specifically designed to verify Syslog server connectivity from the firewall by sending a test message and confirming receipt. Even if the log forwarding profile is correctly configured, network issues or server unavailability can prevent logs from being sent, and this command directly tests the Syslog transport (UDP 514 or TCP 6514) without relying on other services.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
show log forwarding
Why it's wrong here
This command displays the log forwarding profile configuration, not connectivity.
- ✗
show system setting
Why it's wrong here
This command shows system settings, not Syslog connectivity.
- ✓
test syslog
Why this is correct
This command sends a test Syslog message to confirm reachability and configuration.
- ✗
ping <syslog_server_ip>
Why it's wrong here
Ping only tests ICMP reachability, not Syslog service availability.
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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.