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NSE4 · Question #35

Which of the following sequences describes the correct order of criteria used for the selection of a master unit within a FortiGate high availability (HA) cluster when override is disabled?

The correct answer is B. 1. port monitor, 2. up time, 3. unit priority, 4. serial number. When FortiGate HA override is disabled, the master unit is selected based on the number of monitored ports up, then the longest uptime, followed by unit priority, and finally the highest serial number.

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

Question

Which of the following sequences describes the correct order of criteria used for the selection of a master unit within a FortiGate high availability (HA) cluster when override is disabled?

Options

  • A
    1. port monitor, 2. unit priority, 3. up time, 4. serial number.
  • B
    1. port monitor, 2. up time, 3. unit priority, 4. serial number.
  • C
    1. unit priority, 2. up time, 3. port monitor, 4. serial number.
  • D
    1. up time, 2. unit priority, 3. port monitor, 4. serial number.

How the community answered

(23 responses)
  • A
    9% (2)
  • B
    87% (20)
  • C
    4% (1)

Why each option

When FortiGate HA override is disabled, the master unit is selected based on the number of monitored ports up, then the longest uptime, followed by unit priority, and finally the highest serial number.

A1. port monitor, 2. unit priority, 3. up time, 4. serial number.

This sequence is incorrect; uptime is evaluated before unit priority when override is disabled.

B1. port monitor, 2. up time, 3. unit priority, 4. serial number.Correct

With override disabled, the FortiGate HA master election sequence is strictly: 1. number of monitored interfaces that are up, 2. longest uptime, 3. highest unit priority, and 4. highest serial number.

C1. unit priority, 2. up time, 3. port monitor, 4. serial number.

This sequence is incorrect; port monitor status is the primary criterion, followed by uptime before unit priority.

D1. up time, 2. unit priority, 3. port monitor, 4. serial number.

This sequence is incorrect; port monitor status is the primary criterion, and uptime is evaluated before unit priority.

Concept tested: FortiGate HA master election (override disabled)

Source: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/7.4.0/administration-guide/181512/master-unit-selection

Topics

#FortiGate HA#Master selection#HA criteria#High Availability

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