800-150 Sample Questions Answers

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.

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.​

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.

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.​

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.​

To ensurehigh availability and fault tolerancein 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 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.

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.

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.

Bundle modesimplifies the installation and operation of Cisco IOS XE Software by using a monolithic image file. In thismode, the switch runs directly from the bundled image, eliminating the need to manage individual software packages. This approach is straightforward and reduces complexity, making it suitable for environments where simplicity is a priority.​

However, it's important to note that:​

Bundle mode may result in slower boot times compared to Install mode.

It does not support the independent installation or upgrade of individual packages.

Thepackages.conffile is not utilized in Bundle mode; it's specific toInstall mode.​

TheWireless LAN Controller (WLC)plays a central role in Cisco’s Unified Wireless Network solution by providing centralized management, configuration, and monitoring for multiple access points (APs). It allows for streamlined policy enforcement, seamless mobility, load balancing, and security management across wireless networks.

While WLCs facilitate wireless connectivity indirectly, their main role is tocentrally manage and controlaccess points — not to function as Layer 3 routers or format data frames.

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.

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.

In a Class B network, the default subnet mask is 255.255.0.0, which allocates:​

16 bits for the network portion

16 bits for the host portion​

When the subnet mask is changed to255.255.255.0, it becomes:​

24 bits for the network portion

8 bits for the host portion​

This indicates that8 bitshave been borrowed from the host portion to create additional subnets. Borrowing bits allows for the division of the original network into smaller sub-networks, enhancing organization and security within the network.​

In theInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS)model, the cloud provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the underlying infrastructure components, including:

Networking: The cloud provider handles all aspects of network configuration, hardware, and virtual networking.

Storage: The cloud provider supplies and manages the physical and virtual storage infrastructure required to support the consumer’s data needs.

The customer is responsible for managing:

Operating Systems

Applications

Data

This model offers flexibility while shifting infrastructure maintenance responsibilities to the service provider.

To apply a prewritten configuration to a new Cisco device, the console terminal must be inGlobal Configuration Mode. This mode allows administrators to enter configuration commands that affect the device's overall operation. To access Global Configuration Mode, one must first enter Privileged EXEC Mode by typingenable, and then enterconfigure terminal. Once in Global Configuration Mode, theprewritten configuration can be pasted, and the device will accept the commands accordingly.​

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.

A speed mismatch occurs when two connected Ethernet devices are configured to operate at different speeds. In scenario A, one device is manually set to 1 Gbps, while the other is set to 100 Mbps. Since both ends are hard-coded to different speeds, they cannot successfully negotiate a common speed, leading to a mismatch and resulting in a failed or unstable link.​

In contrast, scenario B, where both ends are manually set to the same speed, ensures compatibility and stable communication. Scenario C can lead to a duplex mismatch rather than a speed mismatch; the auto-negotiating end may default to half-duplex if it cannot determine the duplex setting of the manually configured end. Scenario D is less common; if auto-negotiation fails, devices may revert to their lowest common speed, but this typically results in reduced performance rather than a complete mismatch.​

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.

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.

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.​

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.

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.​

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 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.

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.

In a Cisco Nexus switch withdual power supplies, the recommended method is toconnect each power supply to a separate power source(Option C). This ensures power redundancy and fault tolerance.

If one power source fails (e.g., due to a power outage or circuit failure), the switch can continue operating uninterrupted using the second power source. Connecting both to a single source (Option D) defeats the purpose of redundancy.