- A
Increase the IP-to-user mapping timeout
Why wrong: This may delay unmapping but does not map new IPs.
- B
Use GlobalProtect with pre-logon token
Why wrong: Pre-logon is for machine authentication, not user mapping.
- C
Deploy a User-ID agent with WMI probing
Why wrong: WMI probing may not update fast enough for frequent IP changes.
- D
Configure an Authentication Policy to enforce user authentication for their traffic
When users authenticate, the firewall maps their current IP to the user.
Question 182 of 516
Ensuring User Identification Despite Frequent IP Changes from DHCP
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of securing users and applications with authentication. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An organization uses Microsoft Active Directory for User-ID mapping. Some users are not being mapped because their IP addresses change frequently due to DHCP. Which approach should be implemented to ensure these users are identified?
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
✓
Configure an Authentication Policy to enforce user authentication for their traffic
Option D is correct because an Authentication Policy enforces user authentication for traffic, which triggers the firewall to learn the user-to-IP mapping in real time via authentication logs. This approach works regardless of DHCP changes, as each new IP address is immediately associated with the authenticated user. It is the most reliable method for environments with dynamic IP assignments.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increase the IP-to-user mapping timeout
Why it's wrong here
This may delay unmapping but does not map new IPs.
- ✗
Use GlobalProtect with pre-logon token
Why it's wrong here
Pre-logon is for machine authentication, not user mapping.
- ✗
Deploy a User-ID agent with WMI probing
Why it's wrong here
WMI probing may not update fast enough for frequent IP changes.
- ✓
Configure an Authentication Policy to enforce user authentication for their traffic
Why this is correct
When users authenticate, the firewall maps their current IP to the user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume increasing the timeout (Option A) is sufficient, but they overlook that DHCP changes cause the mapping to become stale, and only active authentication (Option D) ensures real-time mapping updates.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Authentication Policy works by intercepting traffic that matches a policy rule and prompting the user to authenticate (e.g., via captive portal or Kerberos). Once authenticated, the firewall creates a user-to-IP mapping in its User-ID cache, which is updated dynamically as the user's IP changes. This method is more responsive than passive probing because it actively ties the user identity to the current IP address at the moment of traffic initiation.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PCNSE exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — This question tests Securing Users and Applications with Authentication — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an Authentication Policy to enforce user authentication for their traffic — Option D is correct because an Authentication Policy enforces user authentication for traffic, which triggers the firewall to learn the user-to-IP mapping in real time via authentication logs. This approach works regardless of DHCP changes, as each new IP address is immediately associated with the authenticated user. It is the most reliable method for environments with dynamic IP assignments.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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