- A
Configure IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Tunnel Interface, then Security Policy
This order follows the logical dependency: IKE negotiation (Phase 1) must be configured first, then Phase 2 parameters via the crypto profile, then the tunnel interface for traffic, and finally security policies to permit traffic through the tunnel.
- B
Configure Tunnel Interface, then IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Security Policy
Why wrong: Creating the tunnel interface before the IKE gateway and crypto profile is incorrect because the tunnel interface requires IPsec parameters that are defined later; moreover, the IKE gateway must exist before the tunnel can be established.
- C
Configure Security Policy, then IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Tunnel Interface
Why wrong: Security policies cannot reference a tunnel interface that hasn't been created yet, and they are applied after the tunnel is established; also, IKE and crypto profiles must be configured before the tunnel interface.
- D
Configure IKE Gateway, then Tunnel Interface, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Security Policy
Why wrong: The IPsec crypto profile should be configured before the tunnel interface because the tunnel interface uses the crypto profile's parameters; placing it after the tunnel interface may cause the tunnel to fail during configuration.
PCNSE Deploy and Configure Firewalls Practice Question
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of deploy and configure firewalls. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Order the steps to configure an IPsec VPN tunnel between two Palo Alto firewalls.
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 IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Tunnel Interface, then Security Policy
The correct order for configuring an IPsec VPN tunnel on Palo Alto firewalls is: first configure the IKE gateway (Phase 1 authentication), then the IPsec crypto profile (Phase 2 encryption and authentication), then create the tunnel interface (which binds the IPsec parameters), and finally configure security policies to permit the desired traffic through the tunnel. This sequence ensures all dependencies are met and avoids configuration errors.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Tunnel Interface, then Security Policy
Why this is correct
This order follows the logical dependency: IKE negotiation (Phase 1) must be configured first, then Phase 2 parameters via the crypto profile, then the tunnel interface for traffic, and finally security policies to permit traffic through the tunnel.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Configure Tunnel Interface, then IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Security Policy
- ✗
Configure Security Policy, then IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Tunnel Interface
Why it's wrong here
Security policies cannot reference a tunnel interface that hasn't been created yet, and they are applied after the tunnel is established; also, IKE and crypto profiles must be configured before the tunnel interface.
- ✗
Configure IKE Gateway, then Tunnel Interface, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Security Policy
Why it's wrong here
The IPsec crypto profile should be configured before the tunnel interface because the tunnel interface uses the crypto profile's parameters; placing it after the tunnel interface may cause the tunnel to fail during configuration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
- →
Deploy and Configure Firewalls — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Deploy and Configure Firewalls practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All PCNSE questions
516 questions across all exam domains
- →
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer PCNSE study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
PCNSE practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related PCNSE practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Manage, Monitor and Operate practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Manage, Monitor and Operate.
Securing Traffic and App-ID practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Securing Traffic and App-ID.
Securing Users and Applications with Authentication practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Securing Users and Applications with Authentication.
Decryption and SSL Inspection practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Decryption and SSL Inspection.
Managing Troubleshooting and High Availability practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Managing Troubleshooting and High Availability.
Deploy and Configure Firewalls practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Deploy and Configure Firewalls.
Core Concepts and Architecture practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Core Concepts and Architecture.
Secure Access and VPN practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Secure Access and VPN.
Troubleshoot practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to Troubleshoot.
PCNSE fundamentals practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to PCNSE fundamentals.
PCNSE scenario practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to PCNSE scenario.
PCNSE troubleshooting practice questions
Practise PCNSE questions linked to PCNSE troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free PCNSE practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Deploy and Configure Firewalls — This question tests Deploy and Configure Firewalls — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure IKE Gateway, then IPsec Crypto Profile, then Tunnel Interface, then Security Policy — The correct order for configuring an IPsec VPN tunnel on Palo Alto firewalls is: first configure the IKE gateway (Phase 1 authentication), then the IPsec crypto profile (Phase 2 encryption and authentication), then create the tunnel interface (which binds the IPsec parameters), and finally configure security policies to permit the desired traffic through the tunnel. This sequence ensures all dependencies are met and avoids configuration errors.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More PCNSE practice questions
- Arrange the steps to enable and configure GlobalProtect on a Palo Alto Networks firewall.
- Order the steps to upgrade the PAN-OS software on a standalone firewall.
- An administrator notices that traffic from zone A to zone B is being dropped silently. Security rules are in place. Trou…
- Which component of the PAN-OS architecture is responsible for processing security policies and performing packet inspect…
- A company has configured a security policy that allows HTTP traffic from the internal network 10.0.0.0/8 to the internet…
- An organization wants to map user identity from Active Directory for traffic coming from internal LAN users without inst…
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.