What is the correct order of criteria for selecting a master unit in a FortiGate HA cluster with override disabled?

Understanding the criteria for selecting a master unit in a FortiGate High Availability (HA) cluster with the override disabled is crucial for effective network management. The correct order of criteria begins with "port monitor," which is the first element considered. Port monitoring is vital because it ensures that the active interface is functioning correctly and can influence the decision on which unit becomes the master.

The second criterion, "up time," is the amount of time the unit has been operational. Units with longer up times are preferred because they indicate stability and reliability, which are essential for maintaining the master unit’s functionality in the cluster.

The third consideration is "unit priority." This parameter is predefined and can be set by the administrator to influence the selection of the master unit based on its importance in the network context. However, it's ranked after port monitor and up time, indicating the contextual relevance of the unit's operational status and health compared to its priority.

Finally, the lowest criterion is "serial number." This criterion serves as a last resort to break ties when the other criteria do not yield a distinct master candidate. The serial number is a unique identifier for the units, used only after the other metrics have been considered.

In summary, the correct order emphasizes the importance of connectivity (