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

According to the Cisco 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.

After powering off a Cisco device in preparation for chassis replacement, the immediate next step is to label 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.​

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.​

In the FLDTEC course , under Safety 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 for personal safety but also for equipment protection , especially during hardware installation, maintenance, or RMA replacements .

Cisco Nexus switches are specifically designed for deployment in data centers , where they provide high-performance, low-latency switching to support modern workloads, virtualization, and cloud computing environments.

Nexus switches operate using NX-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.

In wireless networking, the Basic Service Area (BSA) refers to the physical area of radio frequency coverage provided by an access point (AP) in a Basic Service Set (BSS). The BSA defines the coverage area where wireless clients can connect to the network through the AP. The size and shape of a BSA depend on various factors, including the AP ' s transmit power, antenna type, and physical environment.​

Option A, the Service Set Identifier (SSID), is the network name broadcast by the AP. Option C, Wireless LAN (WLAN), refers to the overall wireless network. Option D, Wireless LAN Controller (WLC), is a device that manages multiple APs in a network.​

The boot system command is used in global configuration 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 , and boot source are invalid or non-existent in standard Cisco IOS.

Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) is typically deployed on Cisco UCS C-Series servers . These rack-mount servers provide the necessary computing resources to support CUCM ' s call control and session management functions in enterprise environments. The UCS C-Series servers offer scalability, reliability, and integration capabilities essential for unified communications deployments.​

Options A (Cisco ASR routers), B (Cisco Catalyst switches), and C (Cisco ISR routers) are networking devices designed for routing and switching functions and are not intended as platforms for deploying CUCM.​

These command associations are part of Cisco IOS essentials taught in FLDTEC ' s " Device Configuration and Verification " topic. Here ' s how each command functions:

show running-config

Displays the active configuration stored in RAM.

This command is used to verify the current settings on a Cisco device.

copy running-config startup-config

Saves the current running configuration to NVRAM, ensuring the configuration persists after a reboot.

This is critical after making changes to device settings.

copy tftp: running-config

Loads a configuration from a TFTP server and applies it to the current running configuration.

Often used during remote device setup or restoration.

copy usbflash0:backup.cfg running-config

Restores a saved configuration file from a USB drive.

Useful in field operations where physical backup media is used during maintenance.

These tasks are routine for field technicians performing configuration backups, restorations, and diagnostics in Cisco environments.

To ensure high availability and fault tolerance in Cisco data center designs, two effective strategies include:

Redundant Supervisor Engines and Fabric Modules : These provide failover capabilities, so if one supervisor or fabric module fails, another can take over, maintaining network operations without interruption.

Virtual Port Channels (vPCs) : vPCs allow connections to be made to two physical switches while appearing as one logical switch. This prevents loops and adds redundancy and load balancing, which is critical in high-availability environments.

Other options may enhance performance (e.g., high-density Ethernet) or extend functionality (e.g., FCIP), but do not directly contribute to fault tolerance and high availability in the same way.

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.​

During the password recovery process on Cisco devices, ROMMON (ROM Monitor) mode is utilized to perform specific actions that facilitate the recovery. Two critical actions typically performed in ROMMON mode are:​

Change the Configuration Register: The configuration register is modified to instruct the device to ignore the startup configuration during the next boot. This is commonly achieved by setting the configuration register to 0x2142 . This action prevents the device from loading the saved configuration, allowing access without requiring the existing passwords.​

Reboot the Device: After changing the configuration register, the device is rebooted to apply the new settings. This reboot enables the device to bypass the startup configuration, facilitating the password recovery process.​

These steps are essential in the password recovery procedure, allowing administrators to regain access to the device without erasing the existing configuration.​

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 as Webex 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.

Before installing or replacing DIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Modules) in a Cisco UCS server, it is essential to verify the current DIMM configuration and the population order . Cisco UCS servers have strict memory population rules to ensure optimal performance and compatibility, particularly in relation to memory channels and banks.

While the type, capacity, and firmware compatibility are important, failing to follow the correct population guidelines can result in failed boot processes or suboptimal performance.

The FLDTEC training describes the TCP/IP encapsulation as 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 layer adds 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 into packets (IP datagrams), with an IP header added to facilitate routing between networks.

Link Layer : Finally, packets are framed with Layer 2 headers and trailers (including the Frame Check Sequence for error detection), creating a frame ready to be transmitted on the physical medium.

This layered encapsulation ensures interoperability and troubleshooting clarity , which is why it is emphasized in FLDTEC’s IOS Software Basics module .

An on-premises deployment model 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.​

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 of hardware endpoints used to enhance 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 : Offers automatic speaker tracking and intelligent framing , used in large rooms for immersive experiences.

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

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

In the FLDTEC course , the process for removing or replacing a supervisor module — especially the standby supervisor — in a modular switch like the Cisco MDS 9700 is 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 <</b> slot-number > or via the appropriate management interface. "

This action ensures the system acknowledges 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 required when removing the active supervisor , not the standby one.