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Back to NSE7_SDW-7.2 Exam

The NSE7_SDW-7.2 exam focuses on SD-WAN configuration, routing, centralized management, overlay design, and troubleshooting. To excel, you'll need a combination of strong conceptual understanding, hands-on practice, and strategic preparation. Below are tailored learning methods and practical exam strategies based on the exam's content.

1. Effective Study Methods

1.1 Focus on Hands-On Practice

  • Why It’s Important: This exam emphasizes practical knowledge. Simply reading won’t suffice; you must apply what you learn.
  • How to Practice:
    • Use a virtual lab environment (e.g., FortiGate VM, EVE-NG, or Fortinet’s online labs) to configure SD-WAN setups.
    • Practice the full workflow:
      1. Set up WAN interfaces and members.
      2. Configure SLA thresholds.
      3. Create load balancing and application-aware rules.
      4. Troubleshoot common errors.
    • Example Task: Configure a Hub-and-Spoke topology with two WAN links and test failover when one link goes down.

1.2 Active Learning with Incremental Challenges

  • Start Simple: Begin with basic tasks like configuring a single SD-WAN member.
  • Gradually Advance: Progress to more complex scenarios, such as combining static and dynamic routing or optimizing traffic for specific applications.
  • Challenge Yourself: Simulate real-world scenarios, such as troubleshooting misconfigurations or SLA violations.

1.3 Break Down Core Topics

  • Split the syllabus into manageable chunks:
    • Week 1: SD-WAN Configuration and SLA.
    • Week 2: Routing (static and dynamic) and rules.
    • Week 3: Centralized management and overlay design.
    • Week 4: Troubleshooting and comprehensive review.
  • Focus on one topic per session. For instance:
    • Session 1: Study SLA configurations and practice defining thresholds.
    • Session 2: Learn and test diag sys sdwan commands.

1.4 Use Fortinet Documentation and Resources

  • Key Resources:
    • FortiOS Administration Guide: Focus on SD-WAN sections.
    • Fortinet NSE Training Portal: Look for NSE 7 SD-WAN-specific training.
    • FortiGate CLI Reference Guide: Study commands related to SD-WAN and troubleshooting.
  • Strategy: Read the documentation alongside lab work. For example, read about SLA parameters, then immediately configure them in a lab.

1.5 Leverage the Pomodoro Technique

  • Method: Study in focused 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks.
  • Application: Dedicate one session to theory (e.g., reading about routing protocols) and another to hands-on practice (e.g., configuring OSPF in a lab).

1.6 Use Spaced Repetition for Retention

  • Schedule regular reviews of key topics:
    • Day 1: Learn a concept.
    • Day 2: Review and apply it.
    • Day 4: Quiz yourself on it.
    • Day 7: Revisit with advanced practice tasks.
  • Tools: Use flashcards (e.g., Anki) to memorize CLI commands, troubleshooting workflows, and SD-WAN rule priorities.

1.7 Troubleshoot Simulated Problems

  • Regularly simulate network issues, such as:
    • Incorrect SD-WAN rule matching.
    • SLA violations due to link degradation.
    • Misconfigured routing tables.
  • Use diagnostic tools (diag debug application sdwan, logs in FortiAnalyzer) to identify and fix these problems.

2. Exam Techniques

2.1 Understand the Exam Blueprint

  • Familiarize yourself with the key areas tested:
    1. SD-WAN Configuration: Interfaces, members, SLA, and load balancing.
    2. Routing and Rules: Static/dynamic routing, path selection, and SD-WAN rules.
    3. Centralized Management: FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer.
    4. Overlay Design and Best Practices: Hub-and-Spoke, Full-Mesh, ADVPN.
    5. Troubleshooting: CLI commands, logs, and resolving common issues.
  • Allocate more preparation time to areas where you feel less confident.

2.2 Prioritize Hands-On Skills

  • Many questions will test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
  • Examples of exam tasks:
    • Configure SD-WAN rules to prioritize specific applications.
    • Analyze CLI output to identify why a rule isn’t matching.
    • Troubleshoot SLA breaches and recommend solutions.

2.3 Manage Your Time During the Exam

  • Don’t spend too much time on any single question. If unsure:
    • Eliminate obviously wrong answers.
    • Select the most logical choice based on your understanding.
    • Mark the question for review and move on.

2.4 Pay Attention to Details

  • Questions often hinge on specific keywords:
    • “Best practice” implies optimal solutions, not shortcuts.
    • “Most likely” suggests a common cause or default behavior.

2.5 Use Logical Elimination

  • For multiple-choice questions:
    • Start by identifying wrong answers (e.g., solutions that don’t match the described scenario).
    • Narrow your options to the most relevant answers.

2.6 Be Familiar with CLI Commands

  • You may encounter questions requiring interpretation of CLI output. Focus on these:
    • diag sys sdwan: Check SD-WAN member status.
    • diag debug application sdwan: Debug rule matching and traffic flow.
    • get router info: Verify routing tables and dynamic protocol states.

2.7 Focus on Troubleshooting

  • Troubleshooting is a significant part of the exam. Be prepared to:
    • Diagnose issues like incorrect SD-WAN rule priorities.
    • Analyze logs to determine the cause of routing anomalies or SLA violations.
    • Suggest appropriate corrective actions.

2.8 Mock Exams and Practice Questions

  • Take at least 2-3 mock exams before the real test.
  • Focus on understanding why answers are correct or incorrect, especially for questions you got wrong.

3. Practical Study Tips

  1. Set a Study Goal for Each Session
    • Example: "Today, I will configure dynamic routing with BGP and troubleshoot neighbor issues."
  2. Simulate Real-World Scenarios
    • Practice setting up a mixed Hub-and-Spoke and Full-Mesh topology, and test failover.
  3. Document What You Learn
    • Keep a journal to record key concepts, common issues, and solutions.
  4. Track Your Progress
    • Regularly review what you’ve mastered and identify weak areas to focus on.

4. Key Topics to Master

  1. SD-WAN Configuration:
    • WAN interfaces, SLA thresholds, load balancing, and application prioritization.
  2. Routing:
    • Static vs. dynamic routing (OSPF/BGP), and their integration with SD-WAN.
  3. Centralized Management:
    • Use of FortiManager for templates and FortiAnalyzer for log analysis.
  4. Overlay Design:
    • Differences between Hub-and-Spoke and Full-Mesh, and how ADVPN simplifies tunnel management.
  5. Troubleshooting:
    • Tools like CLI commands and logs to diagnose and resolve issues effectively.

Final Advice

  • Be Consistent: Stick to your study schedule and practice daily.
  • Stay Calm During the Exam: Focus on what you know; don’t dwell on unfamiliar questions.
  • Learn from Mistakes: Use mock exams to refine your understanding and correct misconceptions.

By combining these study methods and exam techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the NSE7_SDW-7.2 exam with confidence. Good luck!