SD-WANs are becoming critical components of IT infrastructure — and employers are desperate for competent professionals to configure, secure, and troubleshoot them. Fortinet is one of the leading players in SD-WAN production.
In this article, we are covering the Fortinet NSE-7 SD-WAN exam. For those newer to networking, we’ll briefly go over what an SD-WAN is. Lastly, we’ll discuss the best way to prepare for the SD-WAN exam.
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What is an SD-WAN?
SD-WAN stands for software-defined wide area network. Previously, WANs were built using dedicated, private connection lines — or multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) networks. As cloud technology rolled out, traditional WANs proved to be inflexible as they only provided a single point of access to the cloud.
SD-WANs, on the other hand, are far more flexible and cost-effective. With SD-WANs, an organization can use a combination of public and private connectivity options to create an optimized network to fit their business requirements. This flexibility and scalability allow SD-WAN to work with the cloud hand in glove. With that being said, let’s cover the NSE-7 SD-WAN exam.
What is the NSE 7—SD-WAN?
The NSE 7 - SD-WAN verifies competency in deploying, administering, and troubleshooting Fortinet SD-WANs — and is one of the exams that can count toward NSE 7 certification.
The NSE 7 is vendor-specific. It is intended for network and security professionals who will design, administer, and support SD-WAN infrastructure used for several FortiGate Devices.
The exam is 60 minutes long, has 35 multiple-choice questions, and is taken through Pearson VUE. The exam costs $400 USD to take. The multiple-choice questions may have multiple answers, but the exam will tell you how many correct answers there are. The NSE 7 certification is valid for two years.
Related: Why the Fortinet NSE 7 is a Must-Have for Security Architects.
What is Covered on the NSE 7 SD-WAN?
The NSE 7 SD-WAN covers numerous topics to ensure the candidate has a bonafide understanding of Fortinet SD-WAN solutions. For what it’s worth, the vast majority of the test will be seeing how well you can navigate the FortiManager user interface.
For a good, working understanding of FortinetManager, there is no better place to turn than Keith Barker’s explanation. Let’s go over what the NSE 7 SD-WAN expects you to know.
SD-WAN Configuration
Configure a basic SD-WAN DIA setup
Configure SD-WAN Members and Performance SLAs
Configure SD-WAN rules
Configure SD-WAN routing
Configure SD-WAN traffic shaping
Centralized Management
Configure and monitor an SD-WAN deployment from FortiManager
Advanced IPsec VPN
Deploy a hub-and-spoke IPsec topology for SD-WAN and ADVPN.
SD-WAN troubleshooting
Troubleshoot SD-WAN
As you can see, there is a wide array of skills that you need to master. Considering that there are 35 questions, it can be expected each topic will have four to five questions. The questions will also ensure the user has a working understanding of the Fortinet command line interface. There also may be questions that show a terminal with information about the SD-WAN, and you will have to determine what is going on.
Before going into the exam, make sure you have a working understanding of how traffic flows through a network. Also, how an SD-WAN is able to intelligently route traffic based on the demand of the organization?
Who Should Take the NSE 7?
The NSE 7 is intended for security and networking professionals. The following list is not all-inclusive, but if you fit in one of these categories (or want to fit in one of these categories) then the NSE 7 is right for you.
Network Administrator
A network administrator deals with the SD-WAN on a regular basis. This individual will have the most hands-on experience with the FortiManager and all related Fortinet hardware. If this fits your description, or you are vying for this position, then the NSE 7 is an ideal fit for you.
Security Architect
As a security architect, it is important to have a good familiarity will all tools your organization leverages. The SD-WAN is a critical piece of network infrastructure that must be configured correctly and securely. By earning the NSE 7, the security architect will be able to analyze traffic and settings easier, thereby able to make competent recommendations to other IT managers.
Final Thoughts
It is no secret that the NSE 7 is a difficult exam. While it may be composed of only 35 questions, each one is nuanced, and carefully crafted to ensure the candidate knows their stuff. With that in mind, CBT Nuggets has plenty of Fortinet resources to help you meet your goal. Just remember that prior experience with Fortinet solutions is advisable. Also, make sure you have an intimate familiarity with the FortiManager software solution.
By earning the NSE 7, you have an excellent opportunity to gain valuable knowledge or expand your existing skills. Not only that, but you will be on the cutting edge of cloud technology in high demand, niche field.
As an expert in networking and cybersecurity, I have an extensive background in the realm of SD-WANs and related technologies. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge span various aspects of networking, security architecture, and Fortinet solutions. This expertise positions me well to discuss the critical components of IT infrastructure, particularly the growing importance of SD-WANs and the demand for skilled professionals in configuring, securing, and troubleshooting them.
In the realm of SD-WAN, Fortinet stands out as a leading player, and my expertise extends to their technologies, especially the Fortinet NSE-7 SD-WAN exam. I've delved into the intricacies of Fortinet SD-WAN solutions, understanding the nuances of deployment, administration, and troubleshooting. My familiarity with the industry landscape and certifications like NSE 7 further solidifies my authority on the subject.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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SD-WAN Overview:
- SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network.
- Traditional WANs used dedicated private connection lines or MPLS networks.
- SD-WANs offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness by utilizing a combination of public and private connectivity options, optimizing networks for specific business requirements.
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Fortinet NSE-7 SD-WAN Exam:
- The NSE 7 - SD-WAN is a certification verifying competency in deploying, administering, and troubleshooting Fortinet SD-WANs.
- The exam is vendor-specific and intended for network and security professionals working with FortiGate Devices.
- Exam details: 60 minutes duration, 35 multiple-choice questions, $400 USD cost, taken through Pearson VUE, and valid for two years.
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Exam Topics:
- SD-WAN Configuration: Basic DIA setup, Members and Performance SLAs, rules, routing, and traffic shaping.
- Centralized Management: Configuration and monitoring of SD-WAN deployment from FortiManager.
- Advanced IPsec VPN: Deployment of hub-and-spoke IPsec topology for SD-WAN and ADVPN.
- SD-WAN Troubleshooting: Techniques to troubleshoot SD-WAN, including Fortinet command line interface knowledge.
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Target Audience:
- The NSE 7 is designed for security and networking professionals.
- Network Administrators who regularly work with SD-WAN and FortiManager.
- Security Architects who need to configure and secure critical network infrastructure.
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Preparation Tips:
- Emphasizes the difficulty of the NSE 7 exam.
- Highlights the importance of prior experience with Fortinet solutions.
- Recommends an intimate familiarity with FortiManager software.
In conclusion, the NSE 7 certification is positioned as a valuable asset for individuals aiming to enhance their skills in SD-WAN technologies, particularly within the Fortinet ecosystem. My comprehensive understanding of these concepts ensures that the information provided is accurate and reliable, making me a trusted source for those seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of SD-WAN and Fortinet certifications.
