PCNSE Core Concepts and Architecture Practice Question
A Palo Alto Networks firewall is configured with multiple virtual routers. Traffic between two different virtual routers is not being forwarded. What is required to enable routing between them?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume static routes can be configured between virtual routers, but Palo Alto does not support inter-VR static routes; instead, inter-VR routing is controlled solely by security policies.
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
✓
Enable inter-VR routing with a security policy.
By default, Palo Alto Networks firewalls isolate traffic between virtual routers (VRs) to enforce segmentation. To allow inter-VR routing, you must explicitly enable it by creating a security policy that permits the traffic between the zones associated with each VR. This policy acts as the routing decision point, allowing the firewall to forward packets from one VR to another.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure a zone protection profile.
Why it's wrong here
Zone protection profiles are for flood protection, not routing.
- ✗
Configure a static route between the virtual routers.
Why it's wrong here
Static routes can be used, but they alone don't allow inter-VR traffic; security policy must permit it.
- ✓
Enable inter-VR routing with a security policy.
Why this is correct
Traffic between virtual routers must be explicitly allowed by a security policy with the correct zones.
- ✗
Use a virtual wire to connect them.
Why it's wrong here
Virtual wires are for transparent mode, not routing between VRs.
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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.