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

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.​

Cisco Room Kit→ All-in-one devices for personal workspaces and meeting rooms

Cisco Desk Series→ Standalone modular video conferencing systems

Quad Camera→ Multi-angle video capture for immersive experiences

Room Navigator→ Touch panel for room controls and scheduling

Cisco Board→ Interactive touchscreen displays supporting video conferencing

Cisco’s collaboration portfolio includes a wide variety ofhardware endpointsused toenhance remote communication and conference room experiences. These are highlighted in the FLDTEC material as follows:

Cisco Room Kit: Combines camera, codec, speakers, and microphones into one device — designed for easy integration with displays in meeting spaces.

Cisco Desk Series: Purpose-built for desktop video conferencing and modular setups.

Quad Camera: Offersautomatic speaker trackingandintelligent framing, used in large rooms for immersive experiences.

Room Navigator: Used tocontrol meetings, reserve rooms, and manage smart building functions.

Cisco Board: Interactive digital whiteboard that integratesvideo conferencing, whiteboarding, and wireless sharing.

In the providedCisco UCS architecture diagram, the infrastructure consists of:

Two Fabric Interconnects (A and B), each connecting to:

Ethernet (LAN)

Fibre Channel (FC)

FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)

Both Fabric Interconnects are independently connected to bothCisco UCS Chassis 1 and 2through I/O Modules (IOMs).

This is theclassic active-active UCSdesign, providingfull path redundancyfor all traffic types:

LAN uplinksare handled separately by Fabric Interconnect B.

SAN trafficis distributed throughFC uplinksandFCoE uplinksvia Fabric Interconnects A and B.

Each server in the chassis canfail over its traffic to the alternate fabric if one interconnect fails.

This architecture guaranteesno single point of failure, which is essential inmission-critical environmentslike data centers and enterprise server farms.

Theserial numberfor Cisco switches is typically found on a label located on therear panel near the power supplies. This positioning allows technicians to quickly access identification information even when the device is not powered on.

This label is essential for inventory tracking, RMA procedures, and registration for support. Serial numbers are not typically placed on the top or bottom surfaces for devices mounted in a rack, as those areas are less accessible.

These components are part of theCisco Collaboration System Architecture (CSA), and are reviewed in theFLDTEC trainingunderCisco Equipment and Collaboration Basics:

Call Control: Managed by services likeCisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), it routes and connects calls.

Collaboration Applications: Provide added value services such asvoicemail (Unity),messaging (IM&P), presence, and more.

Edge Devices: IncludeCisco ExpresswayandCUBE(Cisco Unified Border Element), offering secure access and traversal for mobile/remote endpoints.

Conferencing: Powered by platforms likeCisco Meeting ServerorWebex, enabling multi-party conferencing.

Endpoints: Include bothhardware (IP phones, video units)andsoftware (Webex app)that users interact with directly.

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.

Step 1 → Performs power-on self-test (POST)

Step 2 → Loads and runs bootstrap code (firmware)

Step 3 → Finds and loads the Cisco IOS software

Step 4 → Finds and loads the configuration

Step 5 → Runs the configured Cisco IOS software

This startup process is thoroughly described in theFLDTECcourse and alignswith Cisco's standard IOS boot process:

POST (Power-On Self-Test):Verifies hardware functionality including memory and interfaces. This occurs immediately upon powering the device.

Bootstrap Code Execution:Bootstrap is a small program in ROM that initiates the boot process.

Cisco IOS Loading:Bootstrap locates and loads the IOS from flash memory or another source (e.g., TFTP).

Configuration Loading:The router then loads the startup-config from NVRAM (if available).

IOS Execution:Once the configuration is loaded, the device enters operational mode and executes the IOS with the loaded config.

This sequence is vital for field technicians to understand for troubleshooting boot failures or performing device recoveries.

Theideal resistance rangefor ESD wrist straps isbetween 1 and 10 megaohms. This range is sufficient to safely discharge static electricity from the technician to ground, while not allowing an abrupt discharge that could damage sensitive electronic components.

Values below 1 megaohm may result in a rapid discharge, risking damage.

Valuesabove 10 megaohms may not discharge static efficiently enough.

When diagnosing network connectivity issues between a Windows PC and a Cisco device, the combination ofipconfig /allandpingcommands provides comprehensive information:​

ipconfig /all:Displays detailed IP configuration information, including IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, DNS servers, and MAC addresses for all network adapters. This information is crucial for verifying correct network settings.​

ping:Tests the reachability of a host on an IP network and measures the round-trip time for messages sent from the originating host to a destination computer. It's a fundamental tool for checking connectivity between devices.​

While other commands likenetstat,tracert,nslookup,arp -a, androute printprovide valuable information,ipconfig /allandpingare typically the first and most informative commands used in initial troubleshooting steps.​

According toFLDTEC documentation and Cisco UCS architecture guides, each of these elements plays a distinct and essential role:

Fabric Interconnects (FI)– Act as the central switching and management point for the UCS domain, connecting servers to LAN and SAN.

Virtual Interface Cards (VICs)– Installed in servers, these adapters supportvirtualization of multiple NICs and HBAs, enabling dynamic profile assignment.

Fabric Extenders (FEXs)– Extend the I/O fabric from the FI to the chassis, reducing complexity and consolidating management.

Servers– Provide the actual compute resources and run workloads. These can bebladeorrack servershoused in the UCS chassis.

This structure is critical to theCisco Unified Fabric approach, which simplifies data center management through integration and automation.

Acrossover UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cableis used to connect two similar devices directly. This includes:​

Switch to switch

Router to router

PC to PC​

The crossover cable reverses the transmit and receive pairs, allowing for proper communication between like devices without the need for an intermediary device.​

Conversely, astraight-through cableis used to connect dissimilar devices, such as:​

PC to switch

Router to switch

PC to router​

This cable maintains the same wiring on both ends, suitable for connecting different types of devices.​

Therefore, when connecting electrically like devices, a crossover cable is appropriate.​

The correct sequence for mounting a Cisco device in a rack is:​

Install mounting brackets: Attach the appropriate rack-mount brackets to the sides of the device using the screws provided. This step prepares the device for secure installation in the rack.​

Mount in rack: Carefully place the device into the rack, aligning the brackets with the rack posts, and secure it using the appropriate rack-mount screws.​

Ground the device: After the device is securely mounted, connect the grounding wire to the chassis grounding point and then to the facility ground. This step ensures safety and compliance with electrical standards.​

This sequence is recommended to ensure both the physical security of the device and the safety of personnel during installation.​

Asubnet maskis a 32-bit number used in IP networking to divide an IP address into network and host portions. This division is crucial for routing traffic within and between networks. The subnet mask works in tandem with the IP address to identify which part of the address refers to the network and which part refers to the host. This distinction allows for efficient IP address allocation and routing.​

For example, in the IP address 192.168.1.10 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, the first three octets (192.168.1) represent the network portion, while the last octet (10) identifies the specific host within that network.​

Theboot systemcommand is used in globalconfiguration mode to specify the source and filename of the Cisco IOS software image that should be loaded during the device’s boot process. This command ensures that the device loads a specific IOS image, whether it's stored locally in flash or fetched from a TFTP server.

Syntax example:

boot system flash:c1900-universalk9-mz.SPA.157-3.M3.bin

boot image,boot ios, andboot sourceare invalid or non-existent in standard Cisco IOS.

According to theCisco FLDTEC training and product documentation:

Cisco PTZ 4K Camera: Offers high-definition video capture with pan-tilt-zoom features and 4K resolution — ideal for large conference spaces.

Cisco Webex Board Pro: Interactive collaboration device that combines video conferencing, whiteboarding, and wireless content sharing.

Cisco Quad Camera: Features multiple cameras for wide-angle views, speaker tracking, and automatic framing — great for medium to large meeting rooms.

Cisco Room Navigator: A touchscreen device that provides intuitive control for room settings, scheduling, and call 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.

Cisco Nexus switchesare specifically designed for deployment indata centers, where they providehigh-performance, low-latency switchingto support modern workloads, virtualization, and cloud computing environments.

Nexus switches operate usingNX-OS, a purpose-built operating system optimized for data center needs. These switches support technologies like virtual port channels (vPC), FabricPath, and Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), which are essential for scalable and highly available data center networks.

They are not typically used in branch offices, as wireless access points, or as edge routers.

Integrates multiple network layers into a single infrastructure → Unified Fabric

Provides link aggregation and redundancy between switches → Virtual port channels (vPCs)

Enables software-defined networking in data centers → Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI)

Combines storage and network traffic on a single network → Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)

These data center solutions are covered in theFLDTEC courseunder Cisco’s unified data center architecture and switching portfolio:

Unified Fabric:Streamlines Layer 2 and Layer 3 into a single operational model, reducing complexity and enhancing scalability.

vPC (Virtual Port Channel): Allows two Nexus switches to appear as one logical switch, enablingloop-free topologyandactive-active uplinks.

ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure): Cisco’s SDN solution, delivering centralized automation, policy enforcement, and fabric management.

FCoE: Enableslossless Ethernetforstorage (Fibre Channel)traffic to coexist withdatatraffic on the same Ethernet infrastructure.

These technologies are fundamental in modern Cisco-powered data centers tooptimize performance,reduce hardware, andsimplify management.

In the hierarchical network design model, theaccess layeris the first layer and serves as the entry point for end-user devices to connect to the network. This layer connects user devices such as PCs, IP phones, wireless access points, printers, and scanners to the network. It facilitates the initial connection between end-user devices and the network infrastructure. The access layer also enforces security policies and provides services such as VLAN membership, port security, and Quality of Service (QoS).​

Options A, C, and D refer to functions typically associated with the core or distribution layers, or with WAN connectivity, rather than the access layer.​

Backing up the configuration of a network device before replacement is a critical step to ensure business continuity and minimize downtime. The primary purpose of this backup is torestore the existing settings onto the new device, ensuring that it operates identically to the one being replaced.​

This process includes preserving interface configurations, routing protocols, access control lists, and other essential parameters. By restoring the backed-up configuration to the new device, network administrators can quickly reintegrate it into the network infrastructure without the need for manual reconfiguration, thereby reducing the risk of errors and service disruptions.​

Options A, B, and C do not align with the primary objective of configuration backups in the context of device replacement.​

Apre-service checklistis a procedural step followed before replacing an endpoint. Its primary purpose is toconfirm that all resources, tools,documentation, and personnel are in placeto execute the replacement efficiently and without delays.

It helps avoid service interruptions and ensures a smooth replacement by ensuring that every necessary component and action is accounted for ahead of time.

The Cisco Collaboration Infrastructure is designed to support unified communications, video conferencing, and team collaboration through an integrated architecture involving both hardware (e.g., endpoints, media servers) and software (e.g., CUCM, Webex apps).

According to the FLDTEC course content under Cisco Collaboration Equipment and Infrastructure:

Facilitating Connections (C):

Cisco infrastructure components such as CUCM, Expressway, and Cisco Meeting Server enable real-time connections between users across voice, video, and messaging systems.

Supporting Meeting Experiences (E):

Devices such asWebex Boards, Room Kits, and Cisco Quad Cameras, in combination with platforms like Webex, provide immersive and seamless meeting experiences, supported by the infrastructure.

Incorrect Options:

A. Network bandwidth allocation: Typically managed by network QoS policies and WAN optimizations, not the collaboration infrastructure directly.

B. Hosting large-scale databases: Not a function of Cisco’s collaboration system — this falls under data center or database server roles.

D. Phone book administration: Often a function within directory services or external LDAP integration, not a core collaboration infrastructure task.

TheCisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC)is the embedded management solution designed specifically forstandalone Cisco UCS C-Series rack servers and E-Series servers. It allows administrators to perform out-of-band management functions such as BIOS configuration, firmware updates, remote console access, and power control.

Cisco UCS Manageris used for managing UCS blade chassis environments.

Cisco UCS Centralis intended for centralized management across multiple UCS domains.

Cisco Intersightis a cloud-based management platform that can extend CIMC functionality but is not the embedded, standalone option.

TheUCS Fabric Interconnectis the central management and communication hub of theCisco UCS (Unified Computing System)environment. It integrates compute, network, and storage access into a unified system.

Fabric Interconnects:

Manage all servers and I/O modules connected to the UCS domain

Provide connectivity and are the point of integration with the Cisco UCSManager

Offer high-availability and centralized policy management

Other options like the Nexus or MDS switches do not serve this unified management function in a UCS deployment.

In the context ofWide Area Networks (WANs), the key objective is to connect geographically separated networks using service provider infrastructure. The FLDTEC course emphasizes that WAN environments typically involve devices that can handle different physical transmission mediums and protocols.

Modems:

Modulate and demodulate analog signals to digital signals.

Used in WAN environments to connect over analog lines like DSL or leased lines.

Essential for interfacing between digital routers and analog telephone networks.

Optical Fiber Converters:

Also known asmedia converters, they are used to convert electrical signals to optical signals (and vice versa) for fiber transmission.

Common in WAN scenarios where long-distance high-speed transmission over fiber is required.

Incorrect Options:

A. Hubs: Obsolete Layer 1 devices used in LANs, not suitable for WANs.

D. Network Interface Cards (NICs): Used in end devices for LAN connectivity.

E. Wireless Access Points: Typically used in WLANs within local premises, not WAN infrastructure.

This aligns withCisco’s WAN architecture fundamentalsas highlighted in FLDTEC under “Cisco Equipment and Related Hardware.”

After powering off a Cisco device in preparation for chassis replacement, theimmediate next stepis tolabel and remove all I/O cables. This step is crucial to ensure that all connections can be accurately restored after the new chassis is installed.​

Proper labeling prevents confusion and potential misconfigurations during reassembly. Only after all cables are safely disconnected should you proceed to remove the chassis ground and then the chassis itself.​