- A
Add the service objects for HTTP (tcp/80) and HTTPS (tcp/443) to the rule
While applications are defined, the firewall may need explicit service binding to ensure the traffic matches; in some scenarios, the application set alone may not be enough if the web server uses non-standard ports or if the application is not fully decoded.
- B
Configure source NAT on the internal zone
Why wrong: Source NAT is not required; the firewall is acting as a security gateway, not a router translating addresses.
- C
Create a separate rule for HTTP and another for HTTPS
Why wrong: More rules add complexity; the issue is not about splitting rules but about proper matching criteria.
- D
Move the security policy rule to a higher priority in the rulebase
Why wrong: Priority does not fix the underlying misconfiguration; the rule will still not match if the criteria are wrong.
PCNSE Deploy and Configure Firewalls Practice Question
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of deploy and configure firewalls. 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 network engineer is deploying a new firewall to inspect traffic between two VLANs. The requirement is to block all traffic except HTTP and HTTPS from the internal network to a specific web server in the DMZ. The engineer applies a security policy with the following configuration: source zone Internal, destination zone DMZ, source address internal_subnet, destination address web_server, application set to 'web-browsing' and 'ssl', and action set to 'allow'. However, users report that they cannot access the web server. Which change must be made to the policy to resolve the issue?
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
Add the service objects for HTTP (tcp/80) and HTTPS (tcp/443) to the rule
The policy allows traffic based on application signatures ('web-browsing' and 'ssl'), but the firewall must also match the service (TCP ports 80 and 443) to correctly identify and permit the traffic. Without explicit service objects, the firewall may not properly associate the application traffic with the allowed ports, causing the traffic to be blocked. Adding service objects for HTTP and HTTPS ensures the policy matches both the application and the expected ports, resolving the access issue.
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.
- ✓
Add the service objects for HTTP (tcp/80) and HTTPS (tcp/443) to the rule
Why this is correct
While applications are defined, the firewall may need explicit service binding to ensure the traffic matches; in some scenarios, the application set alone may not be enough if the web server uses non-standard ports or if the application is not fully decoded.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure source NAT on the internal zone
- ✗
Create a separate rule for HTTP and another for HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
More rules add complexity; the issue is not about splitting rules but about proper matching criteria.
- ✗
Move the security policy rule to a higher priority in the rulebase
Why it's wrong here
Priority does not fix the underlying misconfiguration; the rule will still not match if the criteria are wrong.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume application-based policies automatically permit traffic on the standard ports for those applications, but Palo Alto firewalls require explicit service objects to match the transport layer ports, even when using App-ID.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Palo Alto Networks firewalls, application-based policies require the firewall to perform App-ID, which inspects traffic to identify the application. However, the service (TCP/UDP port) is a separate match criterion; if the service is not specified, the firewall may still block traffic if the default service (any) is not implicitly allowed. This is because the firewall enforces both application and service matches, and without explicit service objects, the traffic might be dropped by a default deny rule or misclassified. In real-world scenarios, always pair application objects with the corresponding service objects to ensure proper traffic flow, especially when using custom or non-standard ports.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Deploy and Configure Firewalls — This question tests Deploy and Configure Firewalls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add the service objects for HTTP (tcp/80) and HTTPS (tcp/443) to the rule — The policy allows traffic based on application signatures ('web-browsing' and 'ssl'), but the firewall must also match the service (TCP ports 80 and 443) to correctly identify and permit the traffic. Without explicit service objects, the firewall may not properly associate the application traffic with the allowed ports, causing the traffic to be blocked. Adding service objects for HTTP and HTTPS ensures the policy matches both the application and the expected ports, resolving the access issue.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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