The answer is to use the address object type "Any" (0.0.0.0/0) as the source in the security policy. This is correct because when remote employees connect via IPsec from dynamic IP addresses, the source IP is unknown and cannot be predefined with a static range or host object; using "Any" instructs the firewall to accept VPN traffic from any source, which is essential for remote access VPN configurations where peer addresses change. On the PCNSA exam, this question tests your understanding of how Palo Alto Networks firewalls handle source address matching in security policies, specifically for IPsec tunnels with dynamic peers—a common trap is trying to use an IP Range or FQDN object for unpredictable addresses. A useful memory tip: for remote access VPN, think "Any source, any time"—dynamic IPs mean the source must be left open, while you secure the destination and application instead.
PCNSA Managing Objects Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of managing objects. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A small business uses a Palo Alto Networks PA-220 firewall. The administrator needs to create a security policy to allow inbound VPN connections from remote employees using IPsec. The remote employees connect using dynamic IP addresses. The administrator creates an address object "Remote-VPN-Users" of type "IP Range" but that doesn't work because the IPs are not known. What address object type should be used instead?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Any (0.0.0.0/0)
The correct answer is B because when remote employees connect using dynamic IP addresses, the source IP is unknown and cannot be defined by a static address object. Using 'Any' (0.0.0.0/0) as the source address in the security policy allows the firewall to accept IPsecVPN traffic from any source IP, which is necessary for clients with dynamic addresses. This is a common practice for remote access VPN configurations where the peer IP is not predetermined.
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.
✗
IP Netmask
Why it's wrong here
IP Netmask requires a known subnet, which is not possible with dynamic IPs.
✓
Any (0.0.0.0/0)
Why this is correct
Using 'Any' as source allows all IP addresses, which is the only way to accommodate dynamic remote users.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
FQDN
Why it's wrong here
FQDN can resolve to multiple IPs but may not include all dynamic IPs; not suitable for this scenario.
✗
IP Wildcard Mask
Why it's wrong here
Wildcard masks also require known addresses; not suitable for unknown dynamic IPs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think an IP range or netmask can be used to cover a broad set of dynamic IPs, but they fail to recognize that dynamic IPs are unpredictable and cannot be enumerated, making 'Any' the only viable option for source address in remote access VPN policies.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
FQDN can resolve to multiple IPs but may not include all dynamic IPs; not suitable for this scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Palo Alto Networks firewalls, IPsecVPN tunnels for remote access typically use IKEv1 or IKEv2 with aggressive mode or certificate-based authentication, where the peer IP is not predefined. The security policy must allow UDP ports 500 and 4500 (for NAT traversal) and IP protocol 50 (ESP) from any source to the firewall's public IP. Using 'Any' as the source address is standard for such configurations, and the firewall relies on the IPsec tunnel interface and authentication (e.g., pre-shared key or certificates) to validate the connection, not the source IP.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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.
Managing Objects — This question tests Managing Objects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Any (0.0.0.0/0) — The correct answer is B because when remote employees connect using dynamic IP addresses, the source IP is unknown and cannot be defined by a static address object. Using 'Any' (0.0.0.0/0) as the source address in the security policy allows the firewall to accept IPsec VPN traffic from any source IP, which is necessary for clients with dynamic addresses. This is a common practice for remote access VPN configurations where the peer IP is not predetermined.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA 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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This PCNSA 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 PCNSA exam.
Question Discussion
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