Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) Practice Exam

Which function is performed on the management plane?

1. Traffic Forwarding

2. System Logging

3. Session Handling

4. Packet Filtering

The correct answer is: System Logging

The function performed on the management plane is system logging. The management plane is primarily responsible for administrative functions and managing network security policies, device configurations, monitoring, and logging. System logging is an essential aspect of the management plane, as it involves collecting, storing, and analyzing log data about system activities, security events, and performance metrics. This logging information is crucial for troubleshooting, compliance auditing, and understanding the overall health of the network security infrastructure. In contrast, the other options pertain to functions that occur on the data plane or control plane. Traffic forwarding refers to the process of directing packets from one interface to another based on routing decisions, which is a core function of the data plane. Session handling is related to managing active sessions for traffic flows and is also part of the data plane's responsibilities. Packet filtering involves inspecting packets against defined security policies to allow or deny traffic, which also occurs in the data plane. Thus, system logging distinctly belongs to the management plane, highlighting its role in oversight and control of the network security environment.