What occurs when configuring multiple static routes with identical metrics?

When configuring multiple static routes with identical metrics, both routes will be utilized, allowing for load balancing. This means that when traffic is sent out, the FortiGate will distribute the traffic between the routes that share the same metric. This results in efficient use of available paths and increased redundancy.

Load balancing improves performance by spreading the traffic load over multiple links, which can prevent any single route from becoming a bottleneck. In this scenario, the FortiGate will use equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) routing to manage the outgoing packets efficiently, ensuring that network resources are optimized.

Other choices present misconceptions about static route behavior. Randomly selecting one of the routes would not take full advantage of the available bandwidth. Furthermore, conflicts do not inherently prevent routes from functioning; rather, the FortiGate is designed to handle multiple routes with the same metrics simultaneously, rather than requiring manual intervention to manage potential conflicts.