nerdexam
Fortinet

NSE4 · Question #34

Which statements correctly describe transparent mode operation? (Choose three.)

The correct answer is A. The FortiGate acts as transparent bridge and forwards traffic at Layer-2. B. Ethernet packets are forwarded based on destination MAC addresses, NOT IP addresses. D. Permits inline traffic inspection and firewalling without changing the IP scheme of the network. Transparent mode configures the FortiGate as a Layer 2 bridge that forwards Ethernet packets based on MAC addresses, enabling inline traffic inspection and firewalling without altering the network's IP addressing scheme or being visible in an IP traceroute.

Submitted by viktor_hu· Apr 18, 2026FortiGate Deployment and System Configuration

Question

Which statements correctly describe transparent mode operation? (Choose three.)

Options

  • AThe FortiGate acts as transparent bridge and forwards traffic at Layer-2.
  • BEthernet packets are forwarded based on destination MAC addresses, NOT IP addresses.
  • CThe transparent FortiGate is clearly visible to network hosts in an IP trace route.
  • DPermits inline traffic inspection and firewalling without changing the IP scheme of the network.
  • EAll interfaces of the transparent mode FortiGate device must be on different IP subnets.

How the community answered

(29 responses)
  • A
    93% (27)
  • C
    3% (1)
  • E
    3% (1)

Why each option

Transparent mode configures the FortiGate as a Layer 2 bridge that forwards Ethernet packets based on MAC addresses, enabling inline traffic inspection and firewalling without altering the network's IP addressing scheme or being visible in an IP traceroute.

AThe FortiGate acts as transparent bridge and forwards traffic at Layer-2.Correct

In transparent mode, the FortiGate operates as a Layer 2 bridge, forwarding Ethernet frames between its interfaces based on MAC addresses rather than performing Layer 3 routing.

BEthernet packets are forwarded based on destination MAC addresses, NOT IP addresses.Correct

As a Layer 2 device, a transparent mode FortiGate inspects and forwards Ethernet packets based on their destination MAC addresses, similar to how a network switch operates.

CThe transparent FortiGate is clearly visible to network hosts in an IP trace route.

A key characteristic of transparent mode is that the FortiGate functions as an invisible Layer 2 bridge, meaning it does not appear as a hop in an IP trace route.

DPermits inline traffic inspection and firewalling without changing the IP scheme of the network.Correct

Transparent mode allows a FortiGate to be deployed invisibly within an existing network segment, inspecting and applying firewall policies to traffic without requiring changes to the IP addressing or routing configuration.

EAll interfaces of the transparent mode FortiGate device must be on different IP subnets.

In transparent mode, all interfaces of the FortiGate typically reside within the same IP subnet, bridging traffic between segments of that subnet.

Concept tested: FortiGate transparent mode functionality

Source: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/7.4.0/administration-guide/33912/transparent-mode

Topics

#Transparent Mode#Network Bridging#Layer-2 Operation#FortiGate Deployment

Community Discussion

No community discussion yet for this question.

Full NSE4 Practice