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

Component to configure→ interface

Interface type→ FastEthernet

Port→ 1

Slot→ 0

This command structure is part of theDevice Configuration and Verificationsection in the FLDTEC course. It teaches how to navigate and configure interfaces on Ciscodevices using the IOS CLI:

interface is the global configuration mode command to begin configuring a network interface.

FastEthernet specifies thetype of interface(could also be GigabitEthernet, Serial, etc.).

0/1 represents theslot/portstructure used on Cisco devices:

The first digit (before the slash) is theslot number.

The second digit (after the slash) is theport numberwithin that slot.

This structure allows Cisco to modularly address interfaces, especially in devices with multiple slots or module-based configurations.

The highlighted component on the Cisco I/O module is the chassisconnections LED, which indicates the status of connectivity between the I/O module and the chassis.

In the exhibit, the orange arrow points to asmall rectangular LED indicatorlocated to the left side of the I/O module (Cisco UCS-IOM-2304). This specific LED isnot aligned with the ports, fans, or screws, which helps identify it correctly.

Chassis connections LED (B)is responsible for indicating thestatus of uplink/downlink communicationbetween the I/O module and the chassis.

Greenusually indicates a healthy link.

Amberoroffmay indicate a problem or no connection.

Why the other answers are incorrect:

A. Captive screw→ These are at the far corners, not where the arrow points.

C. Fan module LED→ This IOM doesn’t have user-visible fan LEDs atthe front face.

D. Fixed port→ These are the large rectangular SFP ports clearly visible in the middle, not near the arrow.

This identification is important whentroubleshooting chassis-to-IOM connectivityor verifyingmodule status LEDsduring field maintenance.

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.

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.

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.​

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.

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.​

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.

TheCisco Catalyst 9000 Seriesis engineered to address the evolving needs of modern enterprise networks by integrating the functionalities of both the core and distribution layers into a unified, converged architecture. This series offers advanced capabilities such as high-speed data forwarding, enhanced security features, and support for automation and programmability, making it suitable for scalable and efficient network designs.​

The Catalyst 9000 Series includes models like the Catalyst 9500 and 9600, which are optimized for core and distribution roles, providing high throughput and reliability. These switches support advanced features like Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) and are designed to meet the demands of cloud-scale and security-focused environments.​

In contrast, theMeraki MS400 Series(Option A) is tailored for cloud-managed aggregation and lacks the comprehensive feature set required for core functionalities. TheCatalyst 6500 E-Series(Option B), while historically significant, is considered a legacy platform and may not support the latest advancements in network convergence. TheCatalyst 1300 Series(Option C) is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and is not intended for core or distribution layer deployments.​

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.

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.

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.

When installing a fan module in a Cisco Nexus fixed-configuration switch, it's crucial to ensure that theairflowdirection of the new fan matches the existing airflow configuration. Mismatched airflow directions can lead to inefficient cooling or even overheating of components, potentially affecting the performance or lifespan of the switch.

Cisco offers fan modules infront-to-backorback-to-frontairflow variants, and consistency is required for proper thermal management. These modules are also typically hot-swappable, meaning powering down the switch is not necessary.

In Cisco Nexus switches, when transitioning from a single supervisor module to a dual supervisor configuration, the behavior depends on the redundancy mode configured.​

Stateful Switchover (SSO):In configurations supporting SSO, the active and standby supervisors synchronize their state and configuration, allowing for seamless failover without resetting other modules.​

Stateless Switchover (Warm Standby):In certain modes, such as the ACI-mode on Cisco Nexus 9508 switches, the standby supervisor does not maintain synchronized state information with the active supervisor. In this scenario, if a switchover occurs (e.g., due to the replacement of the active supervisor), all modules in the switch are reset because the switchover is stateless.​

Therefore, when a supervisor module is replaced in a configuration that does not support stateful switchover, all modules in the switch are reset due to the stateless nature of the switchover.​

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.

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.​

A → Line cards

Provide the physicalinterfaces for network connectivity.

B → Route processor cards

Manage routing functions and system control.

C → Transceivers

Installed in the ports of line cards for optical/electrical signal transmission.

D → Power supplies

Provide power to themodular system and are hot-swappable.

Cisco'sNCS 5500 Seriesis designed for service provider and data center deployments. The FLDTEC course outlines the layout of FRUs in modular platforms like this one:

A – Line Cards: Located in the upper slots, these modules handle the bulk of switching and forwarding functions.

B – Route Processor Cards (RP Cards): Positioned centrally, these provide management and control plane services for the router.

C – Transceivers: Installed into the line cards, transceivers provide physical connectivity through optical or copper interfaces.

D – Power Supplies: Located in the bottom rear section, these modules provide redundant and hot-swappable power to the chassis.

Recognizing each FRU visually and functionally is critical when performingRMA procedures,component diagnostics, orhardware upgradesin the field.

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.

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.

Cisco MDS switches are segmented into two key categories: Director-Class and Fabric Switches, each tailored for different SANenvironments:

Director-Class Switches (e.g., Cisco MDS 9700 Series):

Modular and highly scalable

Support hot-swappable components (line cards, supervisors, fabric modules)

High port density and performance for core SANs in enterprise data centers

Fabric Switches (e.g., Cisco MDS 9148T):

Compact, fixed-form factor

Best suited for smaller SANs or edge locations

Cost-effective and simple to deploy

This distinction is important when selecting hardware for data center core vs access layers in SAN architectures.

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.

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 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.

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.

Cisco Webex Callingis a cloud-based, enterprise-grade PBX (Private Branch Exchange) solution designed to provide comprehensive voice communication services via the Webex cloud platform. It enables IP phones and softphones to register to the cloud, allowing for centralized call control, voicemail, and collaboration features without the need for an on-premises call manager.

Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solutionsare partner-hosted services.

Webex Meetingssupports virtual video conferencing.

Webex Teams(now part of Webex App) supports messaging and collaboration, not PBX functionality.

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.”

During the boot process of Cisco devices runningNX-OS, pressingCtrl-Cat the right time will interrupt the boot sequence and bring the system to theboot loader or ROMmon mode(commonly referred to as the boot prompt).

This allows a technician to perform low-level operations such as recovering passwords, specifying an alternate boot image, or performing diagnostics.

Other options (Ctrl-X, Ctrl-Z, Ctrl-1) are not used for interrupting the boot process in Cisco NX-OS platforms.