Palo Alto Networks (PANW) System Engineer (PSE) Practice Exam

Which mode of deployment allows the firewall to route traffic between multiple ports?

1. Tap mode

2. Layer 2

3. Virtual wire

4. Layer 3

The correct answer is: Layer 3

The Layer 3 deployment mode allows the firewall to route traffic between multiple ports. In this mode, the firewall functions as a router and can make forwarding decisions based on Layer 3 IP addresses. Layer 3 mode involves making routing decisions for traffic moving between different subnets, enabling the firewall to apply security policies to the traffic as it passes through. This mode effectively integrates routing capabilities with the security features of the firewall, ensuring that policies can be enforced while maintaining the correct path for transmitted data. In contrast, Tap mode is primarily for passive monitoring, Layer 2 mode operates transparently at the data link layer without routing between segments, and Virtual wire connects two interfaces while functioning similarly to Layer 2 but does not perform routing. Layer 3 mode is essential for environments where routing and security must be combined for the network architecture.