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

In ablade server environment, thechassisserves as the enclosure thathouses multiple blade servers. It provides shared power, cooling, and connectivity resources. Blade servers are compact server modules that insert into the chassis, and the shared infrastructure makes the entire system efficient in space, power, and management.

The chassis does not act as a switch or storage array itself but provides interconnects and sometimes integrated networking components.

Theshow interface statuscommand offers a succinct overview of switch port characteristics, including:​

Port ID

VLAN assignment

Duplex mode

Speed

Media type​

This command is particularly useful for quickly assessing theoperational status and configuration of switch ports, aiding in troubleshooting and verification tasks.​

In contrast:​

show cdp neighborsdisplays information about directly connected Cisco devices.

show controllersprovides low-level hardware information.

show ip interface briefoffers a summary of IP-related interface information.​

Cisco UCS E-Series serversare integrated, blade-style compute modules that can be installed insideCisco ISR(Integrated Services Routers). Their primary advantage is toprovide local compute resources in branch officeswithout needing a full data center environment.

This enables:

Hosting of virtual machines or applications locally

Reduced latency for edge computing

Lowered dependency on central data center resources

These servers are ideal for runningbranch-office workloads, virtualization, or edge analytics, allowing enterprises to deploy scalable compute capabilities closer to the data source.

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.​

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.

Within theFLDTECtraining, especially underMaintenance and RMA Procedures, there is a strong emphasis on safely transferring and adapting configurations from failed or decommissioned devices to replacement units.

The official guidance includes the following:

"When reusing a configuration from an old device, make sure to retain the necessary security elements such as username entries. This ensures the replacement device is still accessible under the correct user credentials."

Here's a breakdown of why the correct answer isB:

A. Remove all configurations under line vty 0 4:This would eliminate remote access settings, making it harder to manage the device.

B. Retain all username entries:Correct. Keeping the username entries ensures continued secure access and avoids loss of administrative control.

C. Keep all access-list commands intact:Not always required — ACLs are often tailored to interface-specific settings or environments which may differ between devices.

D. Add the enable password cisco command:Not a best practice. Default passwords (like cisco) should be avoided for security reasons, and it's not required if enable secret is already in use.

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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.​

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.”

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.

In theFLDTEC course, underMaintenance and RMA Procedures, Cisco outlines a specific sequence for bringing up anE-Series server modulein an ISR router. The sequenceensures proper recognition, IOS compatibility, and network readiness:

Power up the router and server: Ensures both components are initialized and POST begins.

Verify that the router recognized the server: Use service-module commands or show platform to confirm server visibility.

Load a compatible Cisco IOS image onto the ISR: The IOS must support the E-Series module to provide integration and configuration functionality.

Connect the server to the network: Establish network connectivity for services, remote access, or deployment.

This structured approach is essential for minimizing errors duringmodular hardware upgrades or RMAsin the field.

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.

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.

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.

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 a local area network (LAN), the primary function of aswitch is to operate at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model. Switches use MAC addresses to forward frames to the appropriate destination ports. This targeted forwarding mechanism divides the network into separate collision domains for each switch port. By isolating collision domains, switches significantly reduce the chance of collisions, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the network.

Unlike hubs, which forward all traffic to all ports (thus creating a single collision domain), switches intelligently forward only the necessary traffic to the correct port. This capability allows multiple simultaneous conversations on different switch ports without interference.

Routers, which operate at Layer 3 (Network Layer), are used to route packets between different networks, not within the same LAN. Wireless connectivity is provided by wireless access points (WAPs), not switches. Encryption is typically handled by security protocols or devices such as firewalls and not by switches directly.

The highlighted components in all three Cisco UCS server models (5108 B-Series Blade Server Chassis, X9508 X Series Modular Server Chassis, and C225 M6 Rack Server) are fan modules, which are field-replaceable units responsible for cooling the system.

The highlighted components in the images correspond tocooling fans— these are essential for maintaining optimal thermal conditions within each Cisco UCS server type.Here's a breakdown of what's visible in each:

Cisco UCS 5108 B-Series Blade Server Chassis: The highlighted vertical rectangular components arefan modules, which provide high-efficiency airflow for the densely packed blades.

Cisco UCS X9508 X-Series Modular Server Chassis: The front-facingfan traysare clearly marked, used to cool the modular nodes and shared infrastructure.

Cisco UCS C225 M6 Rack Server: The highlighted components on the side of the motherboard are alsofan modules, directly responsible for cooling the CPU, memory, and other internal components.

These fans arefield-replaceable units (FRUs)and are routinely accessed by technicians during preventive maintenance or fault replacement.

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.

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 to0x2142. 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.​

Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) is typically deployed onCisco 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.​

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.​

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.

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.

In theFLDTEC curriculum, technicians are trained on physical tools essential for support in the field. These tools and their uses are explained as follows:

Flash Card Reader:Used with removable CompactFlash cards commonly found in older Cisco routers and switches. These cards hold the IOS image or config files.

USB Thumb Drive:Used for transferring IOS files or configs directly to and from Cisco devices that support USB storage. Convenient for portable backups.

RJ-45 Ethernet Loopback Connector:A diagnostic tool that loops the signal back into the port. Helps verify port functionality by simulating a live Ethernet connection.

RJ-45 Coupler:Allows two patch cables to be connected, effectively extending the reach of a cable — useful in setups where a single cable is not long enough.

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.

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.

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.

When configuring a network port for a newly installed IP phone, two critical parameters to ensure optimal performance are:​

VLAN Assignment:Assigning the correct VLANs is essential for segregating voice and data traffic. Typically, a separate voice VLAN is configured to prioritize voice traffic and enhance security.​

Power over Ethernet (PoE):PoE allows the switch to supply power to the IP phone over the same Ethernet cable used for data transmission. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies and simplifies installation.​

While QoS classification (Option E) is important for prioritizing voice traffic, it is typically configured at a broader network level. Link aggregation (Option B) and Spanning Tree Protocol (Option C) are more relevant to network redundancy and loop prevention, respectively, and are not directly critical for the initial configuration of an IP phone port.​