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

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 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.

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 curriculum, Cisco emphasizes understanding of virtualized components in enterprise networks and UCS environments:

Virtual Switch– Operates within a hypervisor, replicates L2 behavior for inter-VM and external connectivity.

Type 1 Hypervisor– Also called “bare-metal,” examples include VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V Core; optimized for data center performance.

Virtual Machine (VM)– A logical instance of a system that runs its own OS and apps, powered by virtualized CPU, RAM, and storage.

Type 2 Hypervisor– Runs atop an existing OS (e.g., VMware Workstation, VirtualBox), ideal for labs and dev/testing.

Mastering these definitions supports field technicians inUCS deployments, virtualization troubleshooting, and remote infrastructure diagnostics.

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.​

After upgrading the firmware on aCisco UCS C-Series serverusing theHost Upgrade Utility (HUU), it is critical toverify the update statusto ensure thatall targeted components(such as BIOS, CIMC, and RAID controller firmware) have beensuccessfully updated.

Firmware upgrades often involve multiple subsystems, and partial or failed updates can result in inconsistencies or even device instability. Verifying the update status allows the technician to identify any missed components and perform corrective actions if necessary.

Options like generating compliance reports, third-party application checks, or license activations are not the primary reasons for this verification step in the HUU process.

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.

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.​

When configuring a terminal emulator (such as PuTTY, Tera Term, or HyperTerminal) to connect to the console port of a Cisco switch, the standard settings are as follows:​

Speed (baud rate): 9600This is the default transmission speed for Cisco console ports, ensuring compatibility across various devices.​

Data bits: 8This setting specifies that each character transmitted consists of 8 data bits, which is standard for most serial communications.​

Parity: NoneNo parity bit is used, meaning there is no additional error-checking bit appended to each character.​

Stop bits: 1One stop bit indicates the end of a character transmission.​

Flow control: NoneNo flow control is employed, allowing continuous data transmission without hardware or software-based pausing.​

Therefore, optionsC (Speed: 9600)andD (Data bits: 8)are correct. Options A (Stop bits: 2), B (Flow control: Hardware), and E (Parity: Even) deviate from the standard settings and may result in communication issues if configured.​

Online Insertion and Removal (OIR)is a feature supported by Cisco ASR routers that allows for the insertion and removal of hardware components, such as line cards and modules, while the router is operating. Thiscapability enables maintenance and upgrades without the need to power down the system, thus minimizing network downtime.​

Key aspects of OIR include:​

Seamless Operation:OIR allows for hardware changes without interrupting the router's operation.​

Preservation of Routing Information:The router maintains all routing information and active sessions during the insertion or removal process.

Administrative Shutdown:While not mandatory, it is recommended to administratively shut down the interfaces associated with the component being removed to ensure a graceful transition.​

This feature is particularly beneficial in high-availability environments where maintaining continuous network service is critical.​

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.

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.

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 devicesettings.

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.

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.

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.​

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.​

Cloud-based managementis a core feature of Cisco Merakiswitches and significantly simplifies the device replacement process. When a failed switch is replaced:

The new hardware can be claimed in the Meraki dashboard.

The previously assigned configuration is automatically applied to the replacement device.

This eliminates the need for local reconfiguration and ensures continuity with minimal manual effort.

This centralized approach ensures that configurations are stored securely and consistently applied across devices.

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.​

Before shutting down any Cisco collaboration device (such as an IP phone, video endpoint, or codec) for replacement, it is essential toback up the configuration. This ensures that all custom settings, including user profiles, network configurations, and service settings, are preserved and can be quickly restored on the replacement device.

This backup minimizes downtime and avoids manual reconfiguration errors during the swap process.

When addressing call quality issues between IP phones, theReal-time Transport Protocol (RTP)is the primary protocol to analyze. RTP is responsible for the actual transmission of voice data during a call, and its performance directly impacts call quality.​

Key factors affecting RTP and, consequently, call quality include:​

Packet Loss:Missing packets can lead to audio gaps.

Jitter:Variations in packet arrival times can cause choppy audio.

Latency:Delays in packet delivery can result in noticeable lag.​

Analyzing RTP streams allows technicians to identify these issues and implement appropriate Quality of Service (QoS) measures to mitigate them.​

Incontrast:​

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol):Handles call setup, modification, and teardown but not the media stream.

SCCP (Skinny Client Control Protocol):A Cisco proprietary protocol for signaling, not media transport.

H.323:An older protocolsuite for multimedia communication, encompassing both signaling and media, but less commonly used in modern IP telephony.​Reference:Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) – Troubleshooting Methodologie

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.

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 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.

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.

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.​

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.