NSE6_FSW-7.2 NSE6_FSW-7.2 - Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiSwitch 7.2 Questions and Answers

"The tool is a Python script that converts the supported settings in a FortiSwitch standalone configuration file to the equivalent FortiOS settings for a managed switch." Reference: FortiSwitch 7.2 Study Guide, page 349

"MSTP is based on RSTP", so the same port role election and the same root bridge selection. Reference: FortiSwitch 7.2 Study Guide, page 187

The appearance of a serial number in the Native VLAN column for port23 suggests that the switch connected to this port is identified uniquely in the network. Given the options provided:

A standalone switch with the shown serial number is connected on port23 (Option C): This is the most plausible explanation. The FortiSwitch configuration interface is displaying the serial number of a standalone switch that is directly connected to port23. This kind of display helps in identifying and managing individual devices in a network setup, especially in environments with multiple switches.

Regarding the configuration of a FortiSwitch to split a port into multiple smaller interfaces:

The CLI commands are enabling a split port into four 10Gbps interfaces (Option B): The command shown in the exhibit is typically used to configure a high-speed port (like a 40Gbps or 100Gbps interface) to be divided into smaller, independent 10Gbps interfaces. This feature allows more flexible use of the switch's physical resources.

The port full speed prior to the split was 100G SFP+ (Option C): Given the context of splitting the port into multiple 10Gbps interfaces, the original port configuration likely supported a high-speed transceiver such as 100G SFP+. This would make it technically feasible to divide the interface into multiple 10Gbps channels, enhancing connectivity options without requiring additional physical interfaces.

These configurations and capabilities are typical in modern network setups, especially in environments requiring high density and flexibility in connectivity, allowing network administrators to optimize physical infrastructure efficiently.

Regarding the scenario where a FortiSwitch did not reboot after the authorization process while the other devices did, the most likely cause, given the configuration settings in the exhibit, is:

The management mode was set to use FortiLink mode (Option B): If the FortiSwitch was already configured to use FortiLink for its management mode, it may not require a reboot to complete the authorization process as its management interface settings are already aligned with FortiLink requirements. This is unlike switches that might be transitioning from a standalone or another management mode, which would typically require a reboot to apply new management settings fully.

References:

FortiLink mode specifically tailors FortiSwitch to be managed via a FortiGate device, integrating its operation into the wider security fabric without needing a reboot if it is already set to this mode before authorization. This contrasts with other management modes where transitioning to FortiLink could necessitate a system restart to initialize the new configuration.

The provided debug output indicates that the FortiSwitch is sending FortiLink heartbeats to the FortiGate and is currently waiting to join the stack group. Here's a breakdown of the relevant lines:

Line 1:Shows the date, time, elapsed time since boot, and process ID for the FortiLink event handler.

573s:160ms: 74ustranslates to roughly 573 seconds, 160 milliseconds, and 74 microseconds since uptime.

Event 101:This indicates the FortiSwitch is in a "wait join" state (FL_STATE_WAIT_JOIN). This means it's discovered by the FortiGate and is awaiting further instructions to join the FortiLink stack group.

switchname S424DPTF20000029:This displays the serial number of the FortiSwitch.

flags 0x401:The specific flag meaning might depend on the FortiSwitch model and version, but it likely indicates general communication between the switch and FortiGate.

Lines 2 and onward:These lines show subsequent events with similar timestamps, suggesting a regular heartbeat interval. There are also instances of the FortiSwitch sending packets to the FortiGate (indicated bypkt-sent).

Why the Other Options Are Less Likely:

C. FortiSwitch is discovered and authorized by FortiGate.While discovery might have happened before these lines, the "wait join" state suggests authorization hasn't necessarily completed yet.

D. FortiSwitch is ready to push its new hostname to FortiGate.There's no explicit indication of hostname changes in this excerpt. The focus is on joining the stack group.

In Summary:

The key point is the "FL_STATE_WAIT_JOIN" state, which signifies the FortiSwitch is ready to be fully integrated but is waiting for further commands from the FortiGate to complete the process.

Based on the DHCP snooping configuration details provided in the exhibit:

B. FortiSwitch is configured to trust DHCP replies coming on FortiLink interface.The configuration segment shows "trusted ports : port2 FlInK1 MLAG0," indicating that the FortiSwitch is configured to trust DHCP replies coming from the specified ports, including the FortiLink interface labeled FlInK1. This setup is critical in environments where the FortiLink interface connects directly to a trusted device, such as a FortiGate appliance, ensuring that DHCP traffic on these ports is considered legitimate.

D. Global configuration for DHCP snooping is set to forward DHCP client requests on all ports in the VLAN.The "DHCP Broadcast Mode" set to 'All'under the DHCP Global Configuration indicates that DHCP client requests are allowed to broadcast across all ports within the VLAN. This setting is essential for environments needing broad DHCP client servicing across multiple access ports without restriction, facilitating network connectivity and management.

Switch-controller-dhcp-snooping-verify-mac verifies the destination MAC address to protect against DHCP exhaustion attacks (B): This feature of DHCP snooping helps prevent DHCP exhaustion attacks by ensuring that the destination MAC addresses in DHCP packets match the MAC addresses learnedby the switch. This check helps prevent attackers from overwhelming the DHCP server with requests from spoofed MAC addresses.

Settings related to DHCP option 82 are only configurable through the CLI (D): DHCP Option 82 is used for "agent information," and it's typically used in network environments where additional information between DHCP clients and servers is necessary for policy and billing purposes. Configuration of these settings in FortiSwitch is only available through the Command Line Interface (CLI), not the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

The 'by VLAN redirect MAC address quarantine' mode and the 'by redirect MAC address quarantine' mode on FortiGate share specific similarities:

Quarantine VLAN Assignment (A):

Common Feature:Both modes utilize a designated quarantine VLAN to isolate quarantined devices. This helps in mitigating the risk of spreading potential security threats within the network.

Operational Impact:Moving devices to a specific quarantine VLAN restricts their network access, effectively isolating them until further action or remediation is taken.

Fortinet FortiLink Protocol:The FortiLink protocol is Fortinet's proprietary mechanism for managing FortiSwitch units from a FortiGate firewall. It simplifies configuration and security policy enforcement across the connected network devices.

Auto-Discovery:FortiLink's auto-discovery feature means that by default, all ports on a FortiSwitch will actively send out discovery frames. This allows them to locate a FortiGate device that has a FortiLink interface enabled, streamlining the device management process.

No Configuration Needed:You don't have to manually configure individual ports for FortiLink discovery on FortiSwitch devices.

References

FortiSwitchOS FortiLink Guide (FortiSwitch Devices Managed by FortiOS 7.2):Refer to pages 13 and 14 for details on zero-touch management and FortiLink configuration. [https://fortinetweb.s3.amazonaws.com/docs.fortinet.com/v2/attachments/27f63c72-b083-11ec-9fd1-fa163e15d75b/FortiSwitchOS-7.2.0-FortiLink_Guide%E2%80%94FortiSwitch_Devices_Managed_by_FortiOS_7.2.pdf ]

A FortiLink interface must be enabled on FortiGate (A): To manage a FortiSwitch stack, a dedicated FortiLink interface on the FortiGate is required. This interface is used to manage the communication between FortiGate and the FortiSwitch stack, enabling centralized control and configuration of the switches directly from the FortiGate.

The switch controller feature must be enabled on FortiGate (B): Enabling the switch controller feature on FortiGate allows it to manage connected FortiSwitch units. This feature provides tools and interfaces on the FortiGate for overseeing FortiSwitch configurations, monitoring switch status, and managing network policies across the stack.

In a hierarchical network model, the role of a device functioning simultaneously as both the distribution and core is most accurately described as "FortiGate managing FortiSwitch (B)." In this setup, FortiGate acts as the central unit managing multiple FortiSwitch units, thereby functioning both as a distribution layer—handling traffic between network segments—and as a core layer—managing traffic within the network on a broader scale. This setup is typical in medium-sized networks where a single device is capable enough to handle both roles effectively.

While FortiSwitch can collect all the listed LLDP-MED TLVs (Network Policy, Power Management, Location, and Inventory Management), the primary focus for tracking and identifying network devices is on theInventory ManagementTLV.

This TLV carries critical details such as:

Manufacturer

Model

Hardware/Firmware versions

Serial/Asset numbers

This information provides a granular understanding of the devices on your network.