800-150 Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) Questions and Answers

In Cisco Room systems such as the Room Kit Pro and similar setups, replacing thequad camerainvolves a physical disassembly process. Specifically, theupper textile grille must be removedto gain access to the internal mounting mechanism. After that,release levers are used to disengage the quad camera unitfrom its housing.

This procedure ensures secure installation while allowing relatively straightforward removal when maintenance or replacement is necessary. The codec, loudspeaker, and antenna module do not typically require this specific removal method.

This content is aligned withIPv4 Addressing Fundamentals, detailed in the FLDTEC course underDevice Configuration and Verification:

Unicast: A unicast address uniquely identifies a single host on anetwork. This is the most common address type used for standard communication between two devices.

Broadcast: Broadcast addresses (e.g., 255.255.255.255 or subnet-specific broadcast) send traffic to all hosts in the network segment. Used for ARP requests and DHCP discovery.

Multicast: Used to deliver a packet to agroup of hostsinterested in the data, without flooding the network like a broadcast. Multicast uses addresses from the range224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255.

Loopback: The loopback address (127.0.0.1) is reserved for local testing, ensuring that the TCP/IP stack is working properly without needing to access the network.

NVRAM → Startup configuration

RAM → Running configuration

ROM → Bootstrap code, POST code, ROM monitor

Flash memory → Cisco IOS software, backup configuration

Each memory type in a Cisco device serves a specific function in the boot process and runtime operation. NVRAM retains configuration across reboots, RAM is volatile and holds active configs, ROM handles initial boot tasks, and flash stores the operating system.

This content is covered thoroughly in"Cisco Equipment and Related Hardware"in the FLDTEC curriculum. Here's the breakdown:

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Stores bootstrap code, POST (Power-On Self-Test), and ROM Monitor.

These are essential for the device’s initial power-on operations and recovery modes.

NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM)

Holds thestartup configuration file, which is loaded during the boot process.

Content remains intact after a reboot or power cycle.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Stores therunning configurationand current operational state of the router or switch.

Also used for routing tables, ARPcache, and packet buffers.

Data is lost when the device is powered off or rebooted.

Flash Memory

Contains theCisco IOS image, system files, and can storebackup configurations.

It is a non-volatile storage, so it retains data after reboots.

In theFLDTEC course, the process for removing or replacing asupervisor module— especially thestandbysupervisor— in a modular switch like theCisco MDS 9700is clearly outlined. Cisco documentation states:

"Before removing a standby supervisor module, it must first be placed into out-of-service mode using the CLI command system no supervisor <slot-number> or via the appropriate management interface."

This action ensures the systemacknowledges the supervisor is no longer participating in redundancy, allowing a safe and controlled removal without impacting system operations.

Why not the other options?

A. Shut down the entire switch→ Not required; MDS switches are built for high availability and allow hot-swap operations.

C. Disconnect all network interface cables→ This applies to line cards or interfaces, not to supervisor removal specifically.

D. Perform a manual failover→ Failover is requiredwhen removing the active supervisor, not the standby one.

Anon-premises deploymentmodel minimizes dependence on internet connectivity for core collaboration functions. In this model, all critical services, including call control, messaging, and conferencing, are hosted within the organization's local infrastructure. This ensures that internal communication services remain operational even if internet connectivity is lost.​

In contrast, cloud-based deployments (Options A and C) and Hosted Collaboration Solutions (Option D) rely on internet connectivity to access services hosted externally, making them more susceptible to internet outages.​

In a Cisco Nexus switch withdual power supplies, the recommended method is toconnect each power supply to a separate power source(Option C). This ensures power redundancy and fault tolerance.

If one power source fails (e.g., due to a power outage or circuit failure), the switch can continue operating uninterrupted using the second power source. Connecting both to a single source (Option D) defeats the purpose of redundancy.

TheCisco UCS X9508 Modular Chassis, part of the UCS X-Series architecture, is designedwithout a midplane, which marks a major shift from previous UCS models. Themidplane-free designis critical because:

✅Direct front-to-rear airflowis made possible without obstruction.

✅This airflow architectureenhances thermal efficiency, especially important duringcompute node replacementsor upgrades.

✅It allowsmodules to communicate via side-plane connectors, which are located on the sides rather than a fixed midplane.

This architecture:

Simplifies mechanical design

Reduces cooling complexity

Improvesmodularityandaccessibility

????Why the other options are incorrect:

A.Hot-swapping is supported, but notbecauseof midplane-free design—it's a UCS standard feature.

C.Upgrades to faster interconnects are enabled by side-plane I/O, not by midplane absence alone.

D.Power efficiency is a broader chassis feature, not specifically driven by the midplane design.

On aCisco Meraki switch, briefly pressing therestore/reset button(typically less than 5 seconds) triggers:

A reboot of the device(Option A)

Clearing of the local management interface settings(Option D), which may include temporary network information such as DHCP leases or local overrides.

To perform a full factory reset (Option B), the button must be held down for a longer duration, usuallymore than 10seconds. Options C and E do not reflect standard reset behavior.

ANetwork Interface Card (NIC)is essential for device connectivity. Two common symptoms indicating that a NIC may be faulty and require replacement are:

Connectivity problems (Option A):Devices may fail to communicate with the network, showing no IP address assignment or inability to ping/connect to other devices.

Consistent link down status (Option D):The link LED may stay off or frequently go down, even when connected to a functioning switch port with a known-good cable.

Other options like configuration issues (Option B) or system crashes (Option E) might be due to software or unrelated hardware components, and boot failures (Option C) typically point to motherboard or storage faults.

In enterprise networking, remote sites or branch offices connect to the central campus network using:​

WAN Links:These are dedicated communication paths that connect geographically dispersed networks. WAN links can be leased lines, MPLS circuits, or other forms of long-distance connectivity that facilitate reliable data transmission between remote sites and the main campus.​

IPsec VPN Tunnels:Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) VPNs provide secure, encrypted tunnels over the public internet, allowing remote sites to connect to the enterprise network securely. This method is cost-effective and widely used for connecting branch offices to the central network infrastructure.​

Access layer switches (Option A) and LAN core switches (Option E) are components within a local network and do not facilitate remote connectivity. Ad hoc Wi-Fi networks (Option D) are temporary and lack the security and reliability required for enterprise-level remote connections.​

PING→ Sends ICMP echo request packets to verify connectivity

Telnet→ Allows virtual terminal connections with unencrypted traffic

SSH→ Provides secure, encrypted remote access to network devices

IP address configuration→ Requires the PC and Cisco device to be in the same subnet for direct connection

These tools and their functions are covered under“Device Configuration and Verification”in the FLDTEC course:

PING:Utilized to test basic networkconnectivity using ICMP echo request/reply messages. It confirms whether a device is reachable and measures the round-trip time.

Telnet:A protocol that allows for remote device access but transmits data in plaintext, which makes it insecure. It's typically disabled by default on modern Cisco devices due to security concerns.

SSH (Secure Shell):Replaces Telnet as the preferred method for secure CLI access. It encrypts the session, protecting sensitive information such as login credentials.

IP Address Configuration:For direct device access via the same local network, both the PC and the Cisco device must be in the same subnet. This allows the use of tools like browser-based GUIs or terminal emulators when connecting directly.

In theInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS)model, the cloud provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the underlying infrastructure components, including:

Networking: The cloud provider handles all aspects of network configuration, hardware, and virtual networking.

Storage: The cloud provider supplies and manages the physical and virtual storage infrastructure required to support the consumer’s data needs.

The customer is responsible for managing:

Operating Systems

Applications

Data

This model offers flexibility while shifting infrastructure maintenance responsibilities to the service provider.

To ensure asmooth replacementof a Cisco UCS C-Series Rack-Mount Server, two critical actions are:

Back up the server configuration using the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC): This preserves all configuration data such as BIOS settings, RAID setup, and network configuration. After replacing the hardware, this configuration can be restored to minimize setup time.

Decommission the server if it is integrated in a Cisco UCS domain: Before physically replacing the server, decommissioning it ensures the UCS Manager properly releases it from the inventory, preventing configuration conflicts or orphaned profiles.

Other options, like reconfiguring DHCP or disabling firewalls, are not required procedures for a UCS C-Series hardware swap.

Theprimary reasonfor placing heavier equipment, such as UPS units or core switches, at thebottom of a rackis tomaintain stability. A lower center of gravity reduces the risk of tipping, especially when the rack is not yet bolted or braced.

This is a standard safety precaution in network hardware installation and is particularly important when racks are being serviced or relocated.

Right-To-Use (RTU) licensesare locally managed licenses that allow users to activate specific features on Cisco devices without the need for external tools or connectivity to Cisco's licensing infrastructure. These licenses operate on an honor-based system, where the user agrees to comply with the licensing terms without mandatory enforcement mechanisms.​

In contrast:​

Hybrid licensescombine aspects of traditional and smart licensing models.

PAK (Product Authorization Key) licensesrequire registration and activation through Cisco's licensing portal.

Smart licensesnecessitate communication with Cisco's Smart Licensing servers for activation and management.​

TheWireless LAN Controller (WLC)plays a central role in Cisco’s Unified Wireless Network solution by providing centralized management, configuration, and monitoring for multiple access points (APs). It allows for streamlined policy enforcement, seamless mobility, load balancing, and security management across wireless networks.

While WLCs facilitate wireless connectivity indirectly, their main role is tocentrally manage and controlaccess points — not to function as Layer 3 routers or format data frames.

OnCisco Meraki switches,Stack Port 1(along with Stack Port 2) is used to form aphysical stacking connectionbetween multiple switches. These stack ports arededicated high-speed interconnectsthat enable multiple switches to operate as a single logical switch.

The stacking topology depends on the number of switches, but Stack Port 1 serves as one side of this high-speed inter-switch communication channel — not for management or cloud access.

During password recovery on Cisco devices, the configuration register is modified to instruct the device to bypass the startup configuration stored in NVRAM. This allows administrators to access the device without being prompted for existing passwords. The standard procedure involves changing the configuration register value to0x2142, which tells the device to ignore the startup configuration during the next boot. Once access is gained, the administrator can reset passwords and then restore the original configuration by resetting the configuration register to its default value, typically0x2102.​

In theFLDTEC course, underSafety and ESD Procedures, Cisco outlines the following safety workflow before working on any network hardware:

Locate Emergency Power-Off Switch: Identifying how to cut power quickly is essential in case of an electrical fault or emergency.

Disconnect Power: Always ensure the power source is turned off and disconnected before handling any components.

Verify with Multimeter: Use a multimeter to confirm that no voltage is present before proceeding.

Connect ESD Strap: Once confirmed safe, attach your ESD strap to a grounded point to prevent electrostatic damage to sensitive components.

Following this process is critical not only forpersonal safetybut also forequipment protection, especially duringhardware installation, maintenance, or RMA replacements.

On Cisco Catalyst 8000 Series Edge platforms, removing the chassis cover provides access to internal components such asDIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Modules)andSSDs (Solid-State Drives). These components are located internally and require the removal of the chassis cover for maintenance or replacement.​

DIMMsare used for system memory and are essential for the router's operation.

SSDsprovide storage for system software and configurations.​

Other components likeNetwork Interface Modules (NIMs)andtransceiversare typically accessible externally and do not require chassis cover removal.​

Inability to manage or control switch functions → Supervisor module

Failure to maintain optimal temperatures → Fan module

Loss of connectivity on specific ports → Line card

Inability to establish fiber optic connections → Transceivers

Degraded internal data transfer between line cards → Fabric module

From theFLDTEC training materials, Cisco MDS switches are built for high availability and redundancy, but field technicians must know which component impacts whatfunction:

Supervisor Module: Manages control plane functions — a failure results in loss of system-level management or redundancy.

Fan Module: Essential for cooling — failure here leads to overheating and thermal alarms.

Line Card: Provides connectivity — port failures or loss of interface status originate from faulty line cards.

Transceivers (SFP/QSFP modules): Responsible for optical transmission — failure leads to fiber optic link issues.

Fabric Module: Critical for switching between line cards — its failure leads to degraded or disrupted internal traffic paths.

These mappings help techniciansisolate the source of faultsand proceed with the correctRMA or replacementprocedure.

In an enterprise network,Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)are the key Layer 2 technology used to logically segment a network into multiple broadcast domains. VLANs allow network administrators to assign individual switch ports to specific VLANs, enabling effective network segmentation and traffic management.

This configuration extends to access layer devices, such as switches where end-user devices connect. By isolating traffic into VLANs, administrators can improve network performance, enhance security by separating sensitive departments (such as finance and HR), and simplify network management.

Unlike routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF, which operate at Layer 3, or MPLS, which is a Layer 2.5 forwarding technology used primarily in service provider networks, VLANs are explicitly designed for Layer 2 segmentation within LAN environments.

TheFLDTECtraining describes theTCP/IP encapsulationas a step-by-step process where data is passed down through the layers of the TCP/IP model:

Application Layer: User data is created (email, file, request) and the application layeradds the application header, creating a data payload.

Transport Layer: The data is segmented. Each segment receives a transport-layer header (TCP/UDP), enabling proper sequencing and error handling at the destination.

Internet Layer: Segments are encapsulated intopackets(IP datagrams), with an IPheader added to facilitate routing between networks.

Link Layer: Finally, packets are framed with Layer 2 headers and trailers (including theFrame Check Sequencefor error detection), creating aframeready to be transmitted on the physical medium.

This layered encapsulation ensuresinteroperabilityandtroubleshooting clarity, which is why it is emphasized inFLDTEC’s IOS Software Basics module.

For standalone Cisco Secure Firewall deployments, theCisco Secure Firewall Device Manager (FDM)is the most appropriate management option. FDM is a browser-based, on-box management tool that allows administrators to configure and manage a single firewall device without the need for external management infrastructure. It provides an intuitive interface for basic configurations, policy management, and monitoring.​

In contrast:​

Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC)is designed for centralized management of multiple firewall devices.

Cisco Defense Orchestrator (CDO)is a cloud-based solution for managing security policies across various devices.

Cisco Security Manageris an older platform primarily used for managing ASA devices.​

The main advantage ofCisco Intersightis itscloud-based architecture, which allows IT administrators tomanage infrastructure from any locationwithout needing to install or maintain traditional on-premises management tools.

This provides:

Centralized visibility and control over UCS servers and HyperFlex infrastructure

Remote firmware upgrades and configuration

Policy-driven automation

Unlike on-premises tools, Intersight eliminates the overhead of maintaining dedicated infrastructure for management.

When replacing afabric interconnectin a Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), the recommended procedure tominimize traffic disruptionis touse the fabric evacuation procedure on the subordinate fabric interconnect. This ensures that traffic is redirected to the other (active) fabric interconnect, allowing the system to maintain connectivity while one interconnect is replaced.

High availability should remain enabled to preserve redundancy.

Powering down both interconnects would cause a complete outage.

Disconnecting cables without graceful evacuation can result in traffic loss.

The Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and plays a crucial role in error detection and media access control. It ensures that data frames are transmitted to the correct device on a local network segment.​

This layer is divided into two sublayers:​

Logical Link Control (LLC):Manages frame synchronization, flow control, and error checking.

Media Access Control (MAC):Controls how devices on the network gain access to the medium and permission to transmit data.

Together, these sublayers ensure reliable data transmission by detecting and possibly correcting errors that may occur in the Physical Layer. They also manage how devices share the transmission medium, preventing collisions and ensuring orderly communication.​