PAN-OS: Sharing User-ID Mappings Across VSYS (User-ID Hub)

Introduction & Challenges in Multi-VSYS Environments

Virtual Systems (VSYS) on Palo Alto Networks firewalls allow a single physical or virtual device to be partitioned into multiple independent logical firewalls. Each VSYS typically operates with its own routing, security policies, NAT, and other configurations. A significant challenge arises when User-ID is required across these independent contexts, particularly regarding the collection and sharing of IP-to-User and User-to-Group mappings.

Challenges in Multi-VSYS Environments for User-ID Sharing

Without a centralized sharing mechanism, multi-VSYS environments face several difficulties:

Configuration Duplication: Each VSYS needing User-ID must be individually configured to poll Domain Controllers, connect to User-ID Agents, or receive syslog/XML API updates. This replicates configuration efforts across multiple VSYS contexts.
Increased Directory Server Load: Multiple VSYS polling the same Domain Controllers or LDAP servers simultaneously can significantly increase the load on these critical infrastructure components.
Inconsistent Mappings: While theoretically collecting from the same sources, independent polling cycles or configuration differences can lead to slight inconsistencies in the mapping tables maintained by each VSYS.
Mapping Loss at VSYS Boundaries: If traffic from a user mapped in VSYS A needs policy enforcement in VSYS B, VSYS B must have independently learned the mapping or be able to retrieve it, otherwise the user will be unknown in VSYS B's context.
Management Overhead: Managing User-ID sources and configurations across many VSYS becomes complex and prone to error.

These challenges highlight the need for a method to unify User-ID collection and distribution within a single multi-VSYS firewall.

User-ID Hub Solution: Concept

The User-ID Hub is Palo Alto Networks' solution to centralize User-ID mapping collection and distribution within a single multi-VSYS firewall. It designates one specific VSYS to act as the central collection point, sharing its learned mappings with other VSYS on the same device.

How the User-ID Hub Works

The core concept is straightforward:

One VSYS is explicitly configured as the User-ID Hub .
All primary User-ID source configurations (Server Monitoring for DCs/Exchange, Group Mapping for LDAP/AD, User-ID Agent connections, Syslog, XML API) should be consolidated onto the Hub VSYS.
The Hub VSYS actively collects IP-to-User and User-to-Group mappings from these configured sources.
Other VSYS on the same firewall, known as Spoke VSYS , are configured to query the Hub VSYS when they need mapping information that isn't available in their own local mapping table.
This internal query mechanism happens automatically when the spoke VSYS processes traffic or policy that requires User-ID lookup for an unknown user/IP.

Representation of the User-ID Hub and Spoke VSYS relationship within a single firewall.

The User-ID Hub is a feature *within* a single multi-vsys firewall instance, not a method to share User-ID between separate firewalls (that's typically handled by Panorama or external means).

Mapping Types Shared & Lookup Precedence

Mapping Types Shared

When configuring a VSYS as a User-ID Hub, you must specify which types of mappings it will centralize and share. You can select one or both:

IP User Mapping: Sharing the standard IP address-to-username associations collected from sources like Server Monitoring, User-ID Agents, GlobalProtect, etc.
User Group Mapping: Sharing the username-to-group membership information obtained via Group Mapping configuration (LDAP/AD queries).

You must enable at least one of these mapping types for the Hub functionality to be active.

Lookup Precedence

Understanding the order in which a Spoke VSYS looks up mapping information is critical for predicting User-ID behavior in a Hub environment. When a Spoke VSYS needs a mapping for a specific IP or user:

The Spoke VSYS checks for mappings in this order:

Local Mapping Table: It first checks its own locally learned mapping table. Mappings learned directly by the Spoke VSYS (e.g., via Captive Portal, GlobalProtect sessions terminating on that VSYS, or local configuration for a specific IP) take highest precedence.
User-ID Hub Query: If no matching local mapping is found, the Spoke VSYS queries the designated User-ID Hub VSYS for the required mapping information.
Result: If the Hub VSYS has the mapping, it is provided to the Spoke and used for policy evaluation and logging. If the Hub does not have the mapping, the user/group remains unknown to the Spoke VSYS for that transaction.

Key Takeaway: Local mappings on a Spoke VSYS ALWAYS override mappings for the same IP/user received from the Hub.

Flowchart illustrating the User-ID mapping lookup order on a spoke VSYS.

Benefits of Using a User-ID Hub

Implementing a User-ID Hub in a multi-VSYS environment offers significant advantages:

Simplified Configuration: User-ID source configurations (Server Monitoring, Group Mapping, User-ID Agents) are centralized on the Hub VSYS, eliminating the need to duplicate these settings across multiple Spoke VSYS.
Consistency: All Spoke VSYS query the same central mapping table on the Hub, ensuring consistent and up-to-date User-ID information is used throughout the firewall.
Reduced Directory Server Load: Only the Hub VSYS actively polls Domain Controllers/LDAP servers for User-ID information, drastically reducing the number of connections and queries originating from the firewall towards these servers.
Efficient Policy Enforcement: Allows for seamless user-based policy enforcement across VSYS boundaries, as Spoke VSYS can retrieve mappings from the Hub for users whose traffic might traverse multiple VSYS.
Improved Management Plane Efficiency: Reduces the load on the management plane of Spoke VSYS by offloading the active User-ID collection tasks to the Hub.
Single Point of Visibility: Troubleshooting User-ID collection issues can be focused on the Hub VSYS.

These benefits are fully realized only when User-ID source configurations are correctly consolidated on the Hub and removed from the Spoke VSYS.

User-ID Hub vs. Sharing via Panorama

It's important to distinguish the User-ID Hub feature from User-ID collection and reporting capabilities offered by Panorama. While both involve centralization, they serve different purposes and operate differently:

Feature	User-ID Hub	Panorama Centralized User-ID
Scope	Shares mappings between VSYS on a single firewall .	Collects mappings from multiple firewalls (managed devices) for centralized visibility, reporting, and potentially policy decisions based on users seen on any managed device.
Primary Use Case	Simplify User-ID configuration and ensure consistent mapping within a multi-VSYS firewall.	Centralized visibility, reporting, and policy control across an organization's firewalls, often involving User-ID correlation from many sources/devices.
Mechanism	Internal VSYS-to-VSYS query mechanism. Spoke VSYS directly query the Hub VSYS on the same device.	Managed firewalls send User-ID logs/syslog/API updates to Panorama. Panorama acts as a central collection point for reporting and policy push. No direct internal VSYS-to-VSYS query like the Hub.
Configuration	Enabled on a specific VSYS under Device > Virtual Systems. User-ID sources configured on the Hub VSYS.	Configured on Panorama (Collector Groups, Log Collectors). Firewalls are configured to forward User-ID logs/syslog to Panorama. User-ID policies managed on Panorama and pushed to firewalls.
Mapping Precedence	Local VSYS mapping > Hub VSYS mapping.	Firewall local mapping > Panorama mapping (if firewall receives user info directly). Policies on Panorama can utilize the consolidated view.
Licensing	Feature of PAN-OS, generally available on multi-VSYS platforms.	Requires Panorama license.

The User-ID Hub specifically addresses the challenge of User-ID within a single multi-VSYS device, whereas Panorama addresses User-ID challenges across multiple devices in an enterprise network.

Configuration Steps

Configuring the User-ID Hub involves selecting a Hub VSYS, enabling the feature, and consolidating User-ID source configurations.

Choose the Hub Virtual System:

Identify one existing VSYS that will serve as the central User-ID Hub. Consider a VSYS that has reliable network access to your Domain Controllers, LDAP servers, and User-ID Agents. This VSYS will handle the primary load of collecting mappings.
Enable Hub Functionality on the Chosen VSYS:
- GUI Path: Navigate to Device > Virtual Systems .
- Select the chosen Hub VSYS and click Edit .
- Go to the Resource tab.
- Check the box Make this vsys a User-ID data hub .
- Confirm the action if prompted.
- Under Mapping Type , select the types of mappings the Hub will share by checking IP User Mapping and/or User Group Mapping . You must select at least one.
- Click OK to save the VSYS properties.
Consolidate User-ID Source Configuration onto the Hub:

This is the most critical step after enabling the Hub. The Hub VSYS must be actively collecting the mappings it is intended to share.
- Log in to the context of the Hub VSYS .
- Configure or verify all necessary User-ID source settings here:
  - Server Monitoring: Configure and enable polling of Domain Controllers ( Device > User Identification > User Mapping > Server Monitoring ).
  - Group Mapping: Configure LDAP Server Profiles ( Device > Server Profiles > LDAP ) and Group Mapping Settings ( Device > User Identification > Group Mapping Settings ) to fetch user group memberships.
  - User-ID Agents: Configure connections to any necessary User-ID Agents ( Device > User Identification > User-ID Agents ).
  - Any other sources like Syslog Parsing Profiles or XML API integrations should be configured to direct data to the Hub VSYS.
Ensure the Hub VSYS has appropriate network connectivity (via service routes or data interfaces) to reach these User-ID sources.
Remove Duplicate Configurations from Spoke VSYS:

Equally critical for proper functioning and gaining benefits. To avoid unnecessary load on directory servers and prevent confusion from local precedence overrides, remove the User-ID source configurations that are now handled by the Hub from all *other* VSYS (the Spoke VSYS).
- Log in to the context of each Spoke VSYS in turn.
- Navigate to Device > User Identification .
- Remove or disable Server Monitoring configurations.
- Remove or disable Group Mapping configurations.
- Remove or disable User-ID Agent connections.
- Any other local collection configurations should also be reviewed and removed if they are now covered by the Hub.
Commit Changes:

Perform a commit to apply the changes globally or per VSYS as needed.

Verification

After configuring the User-ID Hub, use CLI commands to verify that the Hub is active, collecting mappings, and that Spoke VSYS can retrieve them.

show user user-id-agent statistics : This command provides an overview of User-ID agent connections and status. The output will indicate which VSYS is configured as the User-ID data hub. Look for a line like User-ID data hub: .
show user ip-user-mapping all virtual-system <vsys-name> : Use this command while logged into the Spoke VSYS context. It shows the IP-to-User mappings known to that specific Spoke VSYS. If the Hub is working, you should see mappings here that were learned by the Hub (unless a local mapping exists for the same IP). The source column might indicate 'Hub'.
show user group list virtual-system <vsys-name> : Run this from a Spoke VSYS context. It lists the user groups available for policy matching on that VSYS. These groups should match those configured for Group Mapping on the Hub, provided User-Group mapping sharing is enabled.
show user group name " <group-name> " virtual-system <vsys-name> : From a Spoke VSYS context, verify the members of a specific group are correctly populated from the Hub's Group Mapping data.
show user group-mapping state all virtual-system <hub-vsys-name> : Check the status of the Group Mapping connections (LDAP/AD) *on the Hub VSYS* to ensure the Hub is successfully collecting group information.
show user server-monitor state all virtual-system <hub-vsys-name> : Check the status of the Server Monitoring connections *on the Hub VSYS* to ensure it's collecting IP-User mappings.

Always specify the virtual-system <vsys-name> argument in CLI commands to ensure you are viewing data for the correct VSYS context.

Troubleshooting and Debugging

Troubleshooting User-ID in a Hub environment often requires focusing on the Hub VSYS first, then verifying communication and precedence on the Spokes.

Common Troubleshooting Steps:

Verify Hub is Enabled:
- Check the VSYS configuration ( Device > Virtual Systems > [Hub VSYS] > Resource ).
- Use show user user-id-agent statistics to confirm the Hub is active.
Verify Hub is Collecting Mappings:
- Log into the Hub VSYS context.
- Check the status of your User-ID sources:
  - Server Monitoring: show user server-monitor state all virtual-system <hub_vsys>
  - Group Mapping: show user group-mapping state all virtual-system <hub_vsys>
  - User-ID Agents: show user user-id-agent state all virtual-system <hub_vsys>
- Verify mappings exist in the Hub's tables: show user ip-user-mapping all virtual-system <hub_vsys> and show user group list virtual-system <hub_vsys> . If the Hub isn't collecting, fix the source configuration on the Hub VSYS.
Verify Spoke VSYS Configuration:
- Log into each Spoke VSYS context.
- Ensure redundant User-ID source configurations (Server Monitoring, Group Mapping, Agents) have been removed or disabled. They should rely on the Hub.
Check Mapping Precedence:
- If a Spoke isn't using a mapping you expect from the Hub, check if a local mapping exists for that specific IP/user on the Spoke VSYS ( show user ip-user-mapping ip <ip> virtual-system <spoke_vsys> ). Remember, local takes precedence.
Review Logs:
- Check the useridd.log on the management plane for errors related to User-ID collection (on the Hub) or querying the Hub (on Spokes). Use less mp-log useridd.log .
- Monitor traffic logs for sessions where User-ID is expected but showing as 'unknown'. This indicates a failure to map the IP.
Check Connectivity for Hub Sources:
- If the Hub isn't collecting, verify network connectivity from the Hub VSYS (considering service routes or data interfaces used for User-ID sources) to the Domain Controllers, LDAP servers, or User-ID Agents. Use PING or packet capture if needed.

Sequence diagram illustrating the User-ID query and mapping flow in a Hub environment.

Caveats and Gotchas

Be aware of these potential pitfalls when implementing and managing a User-ID Hub, especially important for PCNSE exam preparation:

     
        Terminal Server Agent Mappings NOT Shared:
       
       User-ID mappings collected by a User-ID Agent specifically configured for Terminal Services (TS Agent), which map IP address + port to username, are NOT shared via the User-ID Hub mechanism. These mappings must be collected independently by the VSYS that handles the TS traffic.
      
        Manual Configuration Consolidation:
       
       Enabling the "Make this vsys a User-ID data hub" setting does NOT automatically migrate or consolidate your existing User-ID source configurations. You MUST manually configure the sources (Server Monitoring, Group Mapping, Agents, etc.) on the Hub VSYS and remove them from the Spoke VSYS.
      
        Local Mappings Override Hub Mappings:
       
       Remember the lookup precedence! If a Spoke VSYS learns a mapping for an IP locally (e.g., via Captive Portal, GlobalProtect, or a lingering old configuration), it will use that local mapping and will NOT query the Hub for that specific IP, even if the Hub has a different or more current mapping for the same IP.
      
        Hub Performance Impact:
       
       The Hub VSYS's management plane takes on the full load of collecting mappings for the entire firewall. In environments with very high User-ID churn or many sources, ensure the firewall model and the chosen Hub VSYS have sufficient resources. Monitor the management plane CPU and memory on the Hub VSYS.
      
        Service Routes for Sources:
       
       If your User-ID sources (DCs, LDAP, Agents) are reachable via a different data interface than the management interface on the Hub VSYS, you may need to configure Service Routes on the Hub VSYS to ensure the User-ID processes can reach them.
      
        No Inter-VSYS Policy Requirement:
       
       The internal communication between the Spoke VSYS and the Hub VSYS for mapping queries does NOT require you to configure explicit inter-VSYS security policies or routing between the management interfaces of the VSYS. This communication is handled internally by the firewall processes.

Best Practices

Follow these best practices for a successful User-ID Hub implementation:

Choose Your Hub Wisely: Select a VSYS that is stable, has good connectivity to User-ID sources, and is intended for long-term use. Avoid using a temporary or test VSYS as the Hub.
Perform Full Consolidation: Don't partially consolidate. Configure ALL Server Monitoring, Group Mapping, and User-ID Agent connections on the Hub and remove them entirely from the Spokes. This is key to realizing the benefits.
Standardize Naming: Ensure primary and alternate username attributes in Group Mapping settings on the Hub are consistent with how usernames are learned from other sources (Agents, GlobalProtect). This prevents mismatches.
Monitor Hub Resources: Actively monitor the management plane CPU and memory utilization of the Hub VSYS, especially after initial deployment or significant changes.
Document Your Configuration: Clearly document which VSYS is the Hub, which mappings are shared, and where the User-ID sources are configured.
Use Service Routes if Needed: If User-ID sources are not on the management network, configure Service Routes on the Hub VSYS to ensure reachability from the User-ID processes.

PCNSE Exam Focus

The PCNSE exam often tests your understanding of multi-VSYS environments and User-ID. Pay close attention to these points regarding the User-ID Hub:

     
       Understand the
       
        PROBLEM
       
       the Hub solves: Duplication, inconsistency, and load in multi-VSYS User-ID collection.
      
       Know the
       
        SOLUTION
       
       : Designate ONE VSYS as the User-ID Hub.
      
       Identify the
       
        GUI LOCATION
       
       to enable the Hub:
       
        Device > Virtual Systems > [VSYS Name] > Resource tab
       
       .
      
       Recall the
       
        MAPPING TYPES SHARED
       
       : IP-User Mapping and User-Group Mapping. You must select at least one.
      
        Crucially understand the need to CONSOLIDATE
       
       all User-ID source configurations (Server Monitoring, Group Mapping, Agents) onto the Hub VSYS.
      
        Memorize the LOOKUP ORDER/PRECEDENCE
       
       :
       
        Local VSYS Mappings
       
       >
       
        Hub VSYS Mappings
       
       . A Spoke checks its local table first.
      
        Know the KEY LIMITATION
       
       :
       
        Terminal Server Agent (TS Agent) mappings are NOT shared
       
       via the Hub.
      
       Be familiar with basic
       
        CLI VERIFICATION COMMANDS
       
       , especially those using the
       
         virtual-system <name>
        
       parameter to check data on specific VSYS contexts. Examples:
       
         show user user-id-agent statistics
        
       (for Hub status),
       
         show user ip-user-mapping all virtual-system <name>
        
       ,
       
         show user group list virtual-system <name>
        
       .
      
       Understand that
       
        no inter-VSYS security policy or routing is required
       
       for the internal Hub-Spoke mapping query mechanism itself.
      
       Know that the Hub vs Panorama comparison often centers on Hub being *within* a device (multi-vsys) vs. Panorama being *across* devices.

Look for scenario-based questions testing your understanding of mapping precedence or the TS Agent limitation.

User-ID Hub & Mapping Quiz

Test your knowledge on User-ID Hub and related User-ID concepts.

1. What is the primary benefit of configuring a User-ID Hub in a multi-vsys environment?

a) It encrypts User-ID communication between virtual systems. b) It centralizes User-ID source configuration and mapping distribution, reducing duplication and inconsistency. c) It allows different vsys to use different authentication methods simultaneously. d) It increases the total number of concurrent users the firewall can map.

Correct Answer: b) The main goal is simplifying management and ensuring consistency by having a single point for User-ID collection that shares data.

2. Where in the PAN-OS GUI is a virtual system designated as a User-ID Hub?

a) Device > Setup > Management > User-ID Settings b) Policies > User-ID Sharing c) Device > Virtual Systems > [Select VSYS] > Resource tab d) Network > Interfaces > [Select Interface] > User-ID tab

Correct Answer: c) The option to make a VSYS a User-ID data hub is found within the VSYS properties under the Resource tab.

3. Which two types of User-ID mappings can be explicitly configured for sharing from a User-ID Hub vsys? (Select two)

a) Terminal Server Agent Mapping (IP/Port-to-Username) b) GlobalProtect Client Mapping c) Captive Portal Mapping d) IP User Mapping (IP-to-Username) e) User Group Mapping (Username-to-Group)

Correct Answers: d) and e) The configuration options specifically list IP User Mapping and User Group Mapping as types the Hub can share.

4. After enabling a vsys as a User-ID Hub, what is the MOST critical next configuration step?

a) Disable User-ID on all interfaces on the spoke vsys. b) Configure inter-vsys routing to allow communication between the Hub and Spokes. c) Configure all relevant User-ID source configurations (e.g., Server Monitoring, Group Mapping) on the Hub vsys. d) Commit the changes and reboot the firewall.

Correct Answer: c) The Hub must be configured to actually collect the mapping data it is meant to share. This consolidation step is vital.

5. A spoke vsys (vsys2) needs user information for IP 192.168.1.50. It has a local mapping (learned via Captive Portal) identifying this IP as User A. The User-ID Hub (vsys1) has a mapping (learned via Server Monitoring) identifying the same IP as User B. Which user identity will vsys2 use for policy enforcement?

a) User A (the local mapping on vsys2). b) User B (the mapping from the User-ID Hub). c) The user identity learned first chronologically. d) User-ID will fail for this IP due to a conflict.

Correct Answer: a) Local mappings always take precedence over mappings learned from the User-ID Hub for the same IP address.

6. Which specific type of User-ID mapping source is a known limitation and NOT shared via the User-ID Hub mechanism?

a) Mappings learned from Server Monitoring of Domain Controllers. b) Mappings received via the XML API. c) Mappings from a Terminal Server (TS) Agent. d) Mappings obtained via Group Mapping.

Correct Answer: c) IP and port-based mappings from TS Agents are not shared through the Hub and must be collected by the VSYS handling that traffic.

7. What is a primary benefit of consolidating Group Mapping configuration onto a User-ID Hub vsys?

a) It allows using different username attributes for each vsys. b) It reduces the query load on directory servers (LDAP/AD) and simplifies configuration. c) It enables the use of dynamic user groups on spoke vsys. d) It forces all vsys to use the same LDAP server profile.

Correct Answer: b) By having only the Hub connect for group mapping, you reduce redundant queries to AD/LDAP and only have one place to configure the settings.

8. Which CLI command would you use to quickly verify which VSYS is configured as the User-ID Hub on a firewall?


         show system info


         show virtual-system all


         show user user-id-agent statistics


         show user group list

Correct Answer: c) The output of


        show user user-id-agent statistics

includes a line indicating the configured User-ID data hub VSYS.

9. Why is it recommended to remove redundant Server Monitoring configurations from Spoke VSYS after setting up a User-ID Hub?

a) To prevent unnecessary load on directory servers and avoid potential confusion from local overrides. b) Because Spoke VSYS are unable to communicate with Domain Controllers directly. c) Removing the configuration is required for the Hub VSYS to begin sharing mappings. d) This step improves the performance of policy lookup on the Spoke VSYS.

Correct Answer: a) Keeping the config on Spokes defeats the purpose of centralizing collection on the Hub, adds unnecessary load, and can lead to unpredictable behavior due to local precedence.

10. A Security policy on a Spoke VSYS uses a User Group object. Where does the Spoke VSYS get the list of members for that group if User-Group mapping is configured and shared from the Hub?

a) It connects directly to the configured LDAP server to query group members. b) The group membership list is hardcoded on the Spoke VSYS. c) It queries the User-ID Hub VSYS for the group membership information. d) Group-based policy cannot be used on Spoke VSYS in a Hub environment.

Correct Answer: c) When User-Group mapping is shared, Spokes query the Hub for group membership lookups for policy enforcement.

11. What is a key difference between Agentless User-ID (WMI/RPC or WinRM) and deploying a User-ID Agent on a client machine?

a) Agentless polls domain controllers; Client Agent actively pushes login information from the client. b) Agentless supports IP/Port mappings; Client Agent does not. c) Agentless requires installing software on user machines; Client Agent does not. d) Agentless provides real-time mapping updates; Client Agent has a delay.

Correct Answer: a) Agentless (WMI/RPC, WinRM) requires the firewall to poll DCs. A User-ID Client Agent installed on a user machine (less common than TS Agent) actively sends login events to the firewall or Agent service.

12. Which method is typically used by Agentless User-ID to collect user login events from Domain Controllers in a Windows environment?

a) SNMP Traps b) SYSLOG messages c) NetFlow records d) WMI/RPC or WinRM to read security event logs

Correct Answer: d) Agentless User-ID primarily relies on polling the security event logs on Domain Controllers using protocols like WMI/RPC or WinRM to identify user logins.

13. In what scenario might deploying a User-ID Agent (other than TS Agent) or using SYSLOG/XML API be preferred over Agentless User-ID?

a) The network has very few users. b) The environment includes non-Windows systems or authentication sources that don't generate standard Windows security logs (e.g., Linux servers, specific SSO solutions). d) There are only a few Domain Controllers. c) The firewall has direct network connectivity to the Domain Controllers.

Correct Answer: b) Agentless is ideal for Windows DC environments. For other systems or custom authentication flows, agents or log forwarding mechanisms (Syslog, API) are often needed to get mapping information.

14. When configuring Group Mapping, which type of server profile is used to connect to retrieve user group memberships from Active Directory or other LDAP sources?

a) RADIUS Server Profile b) Syslog Server Profile c) LDAP Server Profile d) Kerberos Server Profile

Correct Answer: c) Group Mapping relies on configuring an LDAP Server Profile to connect to and query directory services like Active Directory or OpenLDAP for group membership information.

15. What is the purpose of enabling User-ID on an interface or zone on a Palo Alto Networks firewall?

a) It configures the firewall to listen for User-ID Agent connections on that interface. b) It tells the firewall to send mapping information to User-ID sources on that interface. c) It enables the firewall to perform Server Monitoring from that interface. d) It instructs the firewall to perform User-ID lookups for traffic originating from or destined to that zone/interface.

Correct Answer: d) Enabling User-ID on a zone or interface activates the User-ID process to intercept traffic flows associated with that zone/interface and perform IP-to-User lookups based on the source IP.

16. A Spoke VSYS is configured to query the Hub for User-ID mappings. No local mappings exist for IP 172.16.5.20. When traffic from this IP hits the Spoke, what does the Spoke VSYS do regarding User-ID?

a) It sends a query to the User-ID Hub VSYS requesting the mapping for 172.16.5.20. b) It attempts to initiate Server Monitoring against a Domain Controller configured locally. c) The traffic will be dropped because User-ID is required but the mapping is unknown. d) It caches the IP as 'unknown' and does not query the Hub until a later time.

Correct Answer: a) According to the lookup precedence, if no local mapping exists, the Spoke VSYS queries the configured User-ID Hub.

17. You are troubleshooting a User-ID issue on a multi-vsys firewall using a Hub. Users in VSYS 'Finance' are not being mapped. You've verified the Hub VSYS 'Corp-Hub' is enabled and collecting mappings from DCs. What is a likely next step?

a) Reboot the 'Finance' VSYS. b) Configure inter-vsys routing between 'Corp-Hub' and 'Finance'. d) Verify User-ID is enabled on the relevant zones/interfaces in the 'Finance' VSYS. c) Check the


         useridd.log

on the management plane for errors related to 'Finance' querying the Hub or the Hub collecting mappings.

Correct Answer: c) Checking the


        useridd.log

is a fundamental troubleshooting step for User-ID issues, providing details on collection status (on the Hub) and query attempts (on the Spoke 'Finance' VSYS). Verifying User-ID on zones/interfaces (option c) is also important but logging provides more specific error details first. Inter-vsys routing (option b) is not needed for Hub queries.

18. What is the primary advantage of using Agentless User-ID (WMI/RPC or WinRM) over deploying traditional User-ID Agents on every Windows user machine (less common)?

a) Requires no software installation or maintenance on individual end-user machines. b) Provides more detailed IP/Port-to-User mappings than agents. d) Uses less network bandwidth. c) Works on non-Windows operating systems.

Correct Answer: a) Agentless User-ID connects directly to DCs, eliminating the need to deploy and maintain software agents on potentially thousands of end-user Windows machines. Option b describes TS Agent, not standard Agentless. Option c is false, Agentless is primarily Windows-based. Bandwidth usage (option d) depends on the environment, but avoiding constant agent communication can be more efficient.

19. You see traffic logs in a Spoke VSYS showing sessions with User=unknown for IPs that you know should be mapped. You've verified the Hub has the correct mappings. What is a possible cause?

a) User-Group mapping is not enabled on the Hub. b) The Hub VSYS is offline. d) User-ID is not enabled on the zone/interface in the Spoke VSYS through which the traffic is passing. c) The firewall model does not support User-ID Hub.

Correct Answer: d) If User-ID is not enabled on the ingress or egress zone/interface for the traffic in the Spoke VSYS, the firewall will not even attempt to perform an IP-to-User lookup (local or via Hub).

20. Compared to the User-ID Hub, what is a primary difference in the scope addressed by Panorama's centralized User-ID capabilities?

a) Panorama centralizes mappings within a single multi-vsys firewall, while the Hub shares between firewalls. b) Panorama centralizes mappings collected from multiple different firewalls, while the Hub shares mappings within a single multi-vsys firewall. c) Panorama collects only IP-User mappings, while the Hub collects both IP-User and User-Group mappings. d) Panorama provides real-time mapping updates, while the Hub uses scheduled updates.

Correct Answer: b) The key distinction is scope: Hub is for inter-vsys sharing on *one* device; Panorama is for centralizing management and visibility across *multiple* managed devices (firewalls).