Fortinet NSE6_FSW-7.2 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

The diagnostic output reveals that the same MAC address appears in two different VLANs. Based on this behavior, what is the most probable source of the MAC address?

A. It belongs to the FortiGate’s FortiLink interface
B. It is from a switch that handles multiple VLANs
C. It comes from an upstream FortiSwitch
D. It is from a FortiGate device configured in high availability (HA)

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

When troubleshooting networks involving Fortinet infrastructure, particularly environments using FortiSwitch and FortiGate devices, it’s not uncommon to see the same MAC address listed in multiple VLANs. This typically leads to questions about which device is responsible for that behavior.

In this case, the MAC address in question is most likely associated with an upstream FortiSwitch. FortiSwitches can be configured to manage traffic for multiple VLANs using a trunk interface. A trunk port on a switch allows traffic from several VLANs to be transmitted over a single link while maintaining separation via VLAN tagging. As a result, the MAC address of the interface handling those VLANs can be seen in each VLAN’s MAC address table.

Let’s examine the other options:

• Option A refers to the FortiLink interface on FortiGate. While this interface does communicate with switches, it generally does not share its MAC address across multiple VLANs the same way a trunked switch port would.

• Option B suggests a generic switch handling multiple VLANs. While technically possible, this is too broad. The specific scenario points more directly to a FortiSwitch in the upstream role, which is purpose-built for this kind of VLAN aggregation in Fortinet-managed networks.

• Option D mentions a FortiGate in HA mode. While FortiGates in HA do use virtual MAC addresses, those are typically unique per VLAN context or cluster role, and don’t explain the repeated MAC address across VLANs in this scenario.

Therefore, the most plausible explanation is that the MAC address belongs to an upstream FortiSwitch managing several VLANs through a single trunk port, hence appearing across multiple VLANs. This makes C the correct answer.

Question 2:

Core-1 and Access-1 switches are managed by FortiGate-1 via the FortLink interface on port4. Once Core-2 is also added to the management domain, its port1 enters the STP discarding state. What is the most likely cause?

A. port1 on Core-2 is only blocking management traffic
B. There is no MCLAG configuration between Core-1 and Core-2
C. Access-1 is the root bridge and only allows a single root port
D. Core-2 has the lowest bridge priority setting

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

When a switch port moves into the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) discarding state, it usually indicates that STP has detected a potential loop in the network and has taken action to prevent broadcast storms or looping frames. In this scenario, Core-2's port1 is being blocked due to the absence of proper redundancy handling between Core-1 and Core-2.

The correct answer is B, because Core-1 and Core-2 are not configured for MCLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation). MCLAG allows two switches to appear as a single logical switch to connected devices, sharing MAC address tables and spanning tree information. This prevents loops and allows active-active connections between access and core layers without triggering STP.

Without MCLAG, Core-1 and Core-2 are treated as separate switches. When Access-1 connects to both core switches, STP detects a loop and blocks one of the redundant paths—typically by putting one of the ports (like port1 on Core-2) into the discarding state.

Here’s why the other options are incorrect:

• Option A is misleading. STP doesn’t block only specific types of traffic—it disables all data forwarding on a discarding port, not just management traffic.

• Option C references the root bridge and root port logic but misapplies it. While Access-1 might have only one root port, this doesn’t directly explain why Core-2’s port is discarding. The issue lies in the loop created by both Core switches, not the role of Access-1.

• Option D mentions bridge priority, but if Core-2 had the lowest bridge priority, it would be elected as the root bridge. That would influence which ports become designated or root ports, but wouldn’t alone cause the discarding behavior unless there’s a loop.

In summary, the absence of an MCLAG configuration between Core-1 and Core-2 has caused STP to detect a loop and block port1 on Core-2 to maintain network stability. Therefore, B is the best answer.

Question 3:

Which two statements accurately describe what occurs during the FortiLink authorization process? (Choose two.)

A. The FortiGate must be manually added to the FortiSwitch using its serial number.
B. The FortiSwitch needs to reboot to finalize the authorization process.
C. FortiGate sends a FortiLink frame to FortiSwitch as part of completing the authorization.
D. The FortiLink authorization configures the FortiSwitch’s management mode to FortiLink.

Correct Answers: C, D

Explanation:

The FortiLink authorization process is used to establish a secure and managed connection between a FortiGate firewall and a FortiSwitch device. It ensures that FortiGate takes control of the FortiSwitch, allowing centralized configuration and monitoring. Two key steps in this process are the exchange of FortiLink frames and the setting of management modes.

Option C is correct because FortiGate initiates communication with FortiSwitch by sending a FortiLink frame. This frame is essential in identifying the FortiGate as the controller or manager of the switch. Once received, the FortiSwitch acknowledges this and prepares itself to be managed by FortiGate. The FortiLink frame exchange is a core technical step in establishing the relationship between the two devices, without which the switch would not recognize or authorize the firewall as a management entity.

Option D is also correct. During the FortiLink authorization process, the FortiSwitch’s management mode is changed to “FortiLink.” This means the switch is no longer managed locally or independently but is now under the administrative domain of the FortiGate. This allows for streamlined policies, VLAN configurations, firmware updates, and real-time monitoring—all from the FortiGate interface.

Option A is incorrect because manual pre-authorization via serial number is not a required step in a standard FortiLink setup. While some advanced or highly secure deployments might use serial-based access control, this is not part of the default behavior.

Option B is incorrect as well. The FortiSwitch does not require a reboot to complete the authorization. The process is designed to be seamless and efficient, occurring without interrupting switch operations or requiring a reboot. This ensures minimal disruption in a live network environment.

In summary, the FortiLink process hinges on an automated communication protocol involving FortiLink frames and the setting of a dedicated management mode. The correct answers, C and D, reflect this functionality.

Question 4:

You have a FortiSwitch where traffic tagged with VLAN ID 10 arrives on port2 and is destined for a PC (PC1) connected to port1. PC1 expects to receive untagged traffic. 

What two actions should you take on the FortiSwitch to ensure port1 sends untagged traffic to PC1? (Choose two.)

A. Assign PC1’s MAC address as a VLAN 10 member.
B. Include VLAN 10 in the list of untagged VLANs for port1.
C. Remove VLAN 10 from the allowed VLANs and place it in the untagged VLAN list for port1.
D. Enable Private VLAN for VLAN 10 and set VLAN 20 as an isolated VLAN.

Correct Answers: B, C

Explanation:

To ensure that a device like PC1 receives traffic untagged, even though the traffic is tagged upstream (such as on port2), you need to modify the port configuration on the FortiSwitch to strip VLAN tags before the data exits the switch via port1. This is common when legacy devices or endpoint systems don't support or expect 802.1Q tagging.

Option B is correct because adding VLAN ID 10 to the list of untagged VLANs on port1 means that any traffic associated with VLAN 10 will be transmitted from port1 without VLAN tags. This configuration ensures compatibility with devices expecting untagged traffic, such as many desktop computers or printers.

Option C is also correct. By removing VLAN 10 from the "allowed VLANs" and instead setting it as an "untagged VLAN" on port1, you're specifying that all VLAN 10 traffic should not carry tags when exiting port1. This ensures traffic arrives at PC1 in a format it can understand.

Option A is incorrect. While MAC address filtering or membership might be used for advanced policy enforcement or port security, adding a MAC address to a VLAN doesn't dictate whether traffic is tagged or untagged. It’s unrelated to how a port handles frame tagging.

Option D is also incorrect. Private VLAN (PVLAN) configurations are typically used to isolate devices within the same VLAN, such as in hotel or enterprise deployments where guests should not see each other. PVLANs do not impact whether traffic is tagged or untagged and are therefore irrelevant to the current requirement.

In conclusion, to ensure PC1 receives untagged traffic from port1, you must configure the port to strip VLAN 10 tags before sending the frames. The best methods to achieve this are through Option B and Option C, which directly address VLAN tag handling on the port level.

Question 5:

Under what two circumstances would port1 shut down if both port1 and port2 are configured with native VLAN 10? (Choose two.)

A. port1 was shut down by loop guard protection.
B. STP detected a loop and activated loop guard on port1.
C. A BPDU was sent on port1 by an endpoint after receiving it from a different interface.
D. port1 received a loop guard frame that it originally transmitted.

Correct Answers: B, C

Explanation:

To understand why B and C are correct, it's important to first look at how Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Loop Guard function in maintaining network stability. STP is designed to prevent Layer 2 loops in Ethernet networks by controlling the topology and selectively blocking ports to avoid loops. Loop Guard is a supplementary feature that enhances STP by preventing ports from transitioning into forwarding state when they shouldn't.

Option A is misleading. While loop guard does protect against potential loops, it doesn’t directly shut down a port. Instead, it puts the port into a loop-inconsistent state until BPDUs are received again. It does not administratively shut down the port, so this is not a valid cause.

B is correct. If STP detects unexpected changes that indicate a loop might form, it can trigger loop guard mechanisms. When this occurs, loop guard can effectively disable the port to prevent the loop from impacting the network, especially if BPDUs stop arriving on a blocked port. This protects against situations like unidirectional links.

C is also correct. Normally, BPDUs are exchanged between switches—not endpoints. If an endpoint sends a BPDU on a port (like port1), perhaps by bridging traffic from another port, it triggers a BPDU guard violation. The switch identifies this as a potential threat and may err-disable the port to prevent a rogue STP topology change. This behavior is common with BPDU Guard configured on edge ports.

D is incorrect. Loop guard doesn't involve sending or receiving “loop guard frames.” The mechanism is passive—it listens for missing BPDUs. Receiving a frame it originally sent is not part of the expected behavior and doesn’t trigger a shutdown.

Thus, B and C accurately represent events that can cause port1 to shut down under native VLAN 10 configuration.

Question 6:

Why is the sniffer command considered unreliable when used on FortiSwitch port 23?

A. It only captures a limited variety of packets.
B. It only displays outgoing traffic on the CLI.
C. It captures only untagged VLAN traffic.
D. The port might be configured as a trunk.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In a FortiSwitch environment, the sniffer command allows administrators to capture packets for diagnostics and traffic analysis. However, its reliability can vary based on how the target port is configured—particularly whether it’s set as an access or trunk port.

Option A, which claims that only certain packet types are captured, is too general. While some packet filters may be in place, the unreliability on port 23 isn’t due to packet type limitations, but something more specific to the port's configuration.

B notes that only egress traffic (outbound packets) is captured, which can be limiting. However, this doesn’t explain why port 23, in particular, is unreliable. This limitation would apply to all ports if it were the cause, not uniquely to one.

C implies the sniffer only captures untagged VLAN traffic. Although some sniffers might default to this, most can be configured to view tagged traffic as well. Furthermore, this limitation would also not single out port 23 unless it was a trunk.

The most accurate and specific explanation is D. When port 23 is configured as a trunk, it carries traffic for multiple VLANs, which often includes 802.1Q-tagged packets. Unless the sniffer is explicitly configured to interpret and decode this multi-VLAN traffic correctly, it may misinterpret or completely miss packets. The data captured may appear corrupted, incomplete, or even absent, which gives the impression of the sniffer being “unreliable.”

Trunk ports are inherently more complex because they manage a blend of broadcast domains. Without appropriate VLAN filtering or awareness, the sniffer command might not provide a clear or useful output. Thus, unless additional configurations are applied (such as VLAN-specific filters or mirror sessions), the sniffer on port 23 becomes untrustworthy for accurate diagnostics.

For these reasons, D is the correct and most comprehensive answer.

Question 7:

Which FortiSwitch interfaces are preconfigured to send FortiLink discovery frames to identify a FortiGate with an active FortiLink interface?

A. All ports have auto-discovery enabled by default
B. No ports are enabled by default for auto-discovery. This must be configured under config switch interface
C. The ports with auto-discovery enabled by default are dependent upon the FortiSwitch model
D. The last four switch ports on FortiSwitch have auto-discovery by default

Answer: C

Explanation:

FortiLink is a proprietary protocol used by FortiSwitch and FortiGate to establish a secure management connection, allowing FortiGate to manage FortiSwitch devices directly. During the FortiLink setup, the FortiSwitch must detect the FortiGate device it should connect to. This is accomplished through FortiLink discovery frames—special packets sent by the switch to discover compatible FortiGate units on the network.

The process of sending these discovery frames is not uniform across all FortiSwitch ports. Instead, which ports are configured to send FortiLink discovery frames by default is determined by the specific model of the FortiSwitch in use. Fortinet preconfigures certain interfaces on different models to perform auto-discovery, ensuring ease of setup for administrators. For instance, some FortiSwitch models may use the first few ports for discovery, while others may use a different set.

Now, evaluating the options:

• A is incorrect because not all ports send discovery frames by default. If that were the case, it could lead to unnecessary network traffic or conflicts during multi-switch deployments.

• B is partially true in that you can configure discovery manually, but it incorrectly suggests no ports are enabled by default, which contradicts the behavior seen in many FortiSwitch models.

• D claims the last four ports have discovery enabled, which is not universally accurate. This rule does not apply across all switch models.

• C, the correct choice, reflects the real-world scenario. The auto-discovery behavior depends on the FortiSwitch model. Fortinet's documentation confirms that default port configuration varies across models, making this answer the most precise.

In summary, understanding which interfaces handle FortiLink auto-discovery depends on knowing your FortiSwitch model’s defaults. This ensures that administrators can correctly connect and manage switches using FortiGate’s centralized capabilities.

Question 8:

Which LLDP-MED Type-Length-Value (TLV) does FortiSwitch use to collect device-specific data for identifying and managing endpoints on the network?

A. Network policy
B. Power management
C. Location
D. Inventory management

Answer: D

Explanation:

LLDP-MED (Link Layer Discovery Protocol – Media Endpoint Discovery) extends the base LLDP protocol to provide enhanced discovery capabilities for media devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and computers. FortiSwitch leverages LLDP-MED to gain visibility into connected endpoint characteristics, which is essential for managing and monitoring a secure and well-structured network.

Among the many TLVs (Type-Length-Value fields) defined by LLDP-MED, Inventory Management plays a vital role in identifying detailed hardware and software attributes of connected devices. This TLV allows FortiSwitch to gather key information such as device manufacturer, model, serial number, firmware version, and software version. These attributes are essential for inventory tracking, compliance auditing, and troubleshooting.

Let’s review each of the options:

• A (Network policy) TLVs share information about VLANs, QoS settings, and application-specific traffic prioritization. While useful for traffic shaping, this TLV is not primarily used for identifying the connected device’s details.

• B (Power management) TLVs are important for understanding how much power devices require or consume—especially useful when PoE (Power over Ethernet) is involved. However, it doesn't provide device-specific identity data.

• C (Location) TLVs inform the switch about the physical location of the device, which can assist in geo-mapping your infrastructure, but it's not used to identify device characteristics or maintain hardware inventories.

• D (Inventory management) is the correct answer because it offers comprehensive details required for device identification and asset tracking. FortiSwitch uses this TLV to monitor endpoints effectively, ensure compatibility, manage firmware updates, and enhance overall network visibility.

In conclusion, FortiSwitch relies on Inventory Management TLVs within LLDP-MED to collect critical device information. This enables centralized management, helps maintain hardware inventories, and supports better diagnostics and security posture. Thus, option D is the most appropriate and complete answer.

Question 9:

Which two statements accurately reflect the behavior of DHCP snooping on a FortiSwitch device? (Choose two.)

A. The maximum number of DHCP requests accepted is determined by the DHCP server’s IP address range.
B. The FortiSwitch is set to trust DHCP responses received on the FortLink interface.
C. Only one DHCP client is allowed to be trusted through the DHCP snooping configuration.
D. DHCP snooping is globally enabled to allow client DHCP traffic forwarding across all ports within the VLAN.

Correct Answers: B, D

Explanation:

DHCP snooping is a security feature used on network switches to prevent unauthorized (or rogue) DHCP servers from responding to client requests. It achieves this by classifying ports as either trusted or untrusted. Trusted ports are where valid DHCP servers exist, while untrusted ports typically connect to DHCP clients and block DHCP offers originating from them.

Option B is correct. When FortiSwitch is integrated with FortiGate, the FortLink interface (which connects the switch to FortiGate) is typically set as a trusted interface. This means the switch will permit DHCP replies from the FortiGate DHCP server arriving on this link. Without marking this interface as trusted, the switch would block legitimate DHCP offers from FortiGate, disrupting IP address allocation.

Option D is also correct. DHCP snooping is globally enabled on the switch per VLAN basis. When enabled, it monitors and allows DHCP client requests (such as DHCPDISCOVER and DHCPREQUEST) across all access ports in the VLAN unless explicitly blocked. This global configuration ensures consistent DHCP protection across the VLAN while still enabling clients to acquire IP addresses.

Option A is incorrect because DHCP snooping doesn't control how many DHCP requests can be accepted based on a server’s IP range. It inspects DHCP messages and blocks offers from untrusted ports but doesn't set limits on client request volumes.

Option C is false because DHCP snooping doesn’t limit the number of trusted clients. Rather, it defines trusted interfaces from which DHCP offers (not requests) can be accepted. Clients are not configured as "trusted"; only interfaces are.

In summary, the two valid conclusions about DHCP snooping in FortiSwitch are the trust configuration of FortLink and the global forwarding setup per VLAN.

Question 10:

Why is it essential to maintain time synchronization between a FortiGate firewall and its managed FortiSwitch devices? (Choose two.)

A. FortiSwitch resets its internal clock after each reboot, requiring external synchronization.
B. FortiSwitch cannot function as an NTP server for other devices without time from FortiGate.
C. FortiSwitch will fail to complete the DTLS handshake for CAPWAP tunnels if clocks are out of sync.
D. Time mismatch prevents FortiGate from discovering other FortiSwitch units in the switch chain.

Correct Answers: A, C

Explanation:

Time synchronization between FortiGate and its managed FortiSwitches is crucial for maintaining secure communications, system stability, and accurate event logging. A misaligned clock can disrupt cryptographic protocols, impair diagnostics, and cause instability in scheduling operations.

Option A is valid. FortiSwitch devices do not retain the correct system time after reboot unless synchronized with an external source, typically the FortiGate. Without this sync, the internal clock resets, leading to inaccuracies in logs and time-based processes like scheduled maintenance, security enforcement, or policy application. When the FortiSwitch reboots, it requires time from the FortiGate or an NTP server to realign itself.

Option C is also correct. FortiGate and FortiSwitch communicate using CAPWAP tunnels, which rely on DTLS encryption for secure management communication. DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security) requires both devices to have synchronized clocks to validate certificates and perform handshakes securely. A time mismatch can result in handshake failures, preventing the FortiSwitch from being managed correctly or establishing a secure channel, ultimately affecting network operations.

Option B is incorrect. FortiSwitch can act as an NTP server for other downstream devices independently. While synchronized time improves accuracy, the ability to serve NTP is not directly blocked by lack of synchronization with FortiGate.

Option D is also false. The discovery of FortiSwitch devices by FortiGate over FortLink or daisy-chained setups relies on network connectivity and CAPWAP configuration, not time synchronization. While time accuracy helps with proper functioning and logging, it doesn’t impact the ability of FortiGate to detect other FortiSwitches.

In summary, time synchronization is necessary for maintaining secure DTLS communication and ensuring proper operation after reboots, making options A and C the correct answers.