PCNSE Core Concepts and Architecture Practice Question
An organization uses GlobalProtect to provide VPN access to remote users. After connecting, users can access internal resources, but the firewall's User-ID does not show the usernames in the logs or policy matches. The GlobalProtect gateway is configured to use the authentication server for user mapping. The authentication server (LDAP) is reachable from the firewall. The firewall's User-ID settings have the 'GlobalProtect' mapping method enabled. What is the most likely reason that users are not being identified?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to assume enabling the GlobalProtect mapping method on the firewall's User-ID settings is sufficient, but they overlook the separate requirement on the gateway to actually collect and forward the user identity information.
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
✓
The GlobalProtect gateway is not configured to collect User-ID information.
The GlobalProtect gateway must have the 'Collect User-ID Information' option enabled to send user mapping data to the firewall. Without this setting, the gateway does not forward the authenticated username to the firewall's User-ID agent, so even though the authentication server is reachable and the GlobalProtect mapping method is enabled, the firewall never receives the user-to-IP mapping. This is a common misconfiguration where the gateway authenticates users but fails to propagate the identity information.
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 firewall's security policies are not configured to use User-ID.
Why it's wrong here
User-ID data is collected regardless of policy usage.
- ✗
The GlobalProtect portal is not distributing the correct gateway list.
Why it's wrong here
Users can connect, so portal configuration is likely correct.
- ✗
The authentication server profile is not configured with the correct bind password.
Why it's wrong here
If authentication works, the bind password is likely correct; users can connect.
- ✓
The GlobalProtect gateway is not configured to collect User-ID information.
Why this is correct
The gateway must be enabled to collect and send user mappings to the firewall.
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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.