What does FortiGate use to determine the best path for packet forwarding?

FortiGate utilizes routing protocols to determine the best path for packet forwarding. Routing protocols are designed to help devices on a network exchange information about the reachability of different network segments. By using protocols such as OSPF, BGP, or RIP, FortiGate can dynamically learn about the network topology and make informed decisions about the most efficient routes for packet transmission. This allows for optimal data flow and ensures that packets take the quickest and least congested paths.

The other options are related to networking but serve different functions. Load balancing algorithms manage how traffic is distributed across multiple paths to optimize resource use, while static mappings involve manually defining routes or addresses without the dynamic adaptability provided by routing protocols. Default gateways signify the path packets should take when there's no specific route defined, but they do not inherently determine the best path like routing protocols do.