800-150 Questions and Answers

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.​

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.

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.

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.

This procedure is taught in theFLDTEC courseunder theDevice Configuration and Verificationsection and reflects standard field technician workflows:

Connect to the console portusing a console cable and terminal software (like PuTTY or Tera Term).

Access the CLIof the Cisco device by logging in via the console session.

Create a log fileor enable logging in the terminal emulator to begin capturing output.

Check the router statususing commands such as show running-config, show ip interface brief, or show version.

Save the output filefrom the terminal emulator for documentation, troubleshooting, or escalation.

This logical flow ensures accurate diagnostics and traceability during field support operations.

NVRAM → Startup configuration

RAM → Running configuration

ROM → Bootstrap code, POST code, ROM monitor

Flash memory → Cisco IOS software, backup configuration

Each memory type in a Cisco device serves a specific function in the boot process and runtime operation. NVRAM retains configuration across reboots, RAM is volatile and holds active configs, ROM handles initial boot tasks, and flash stores the operating system.

This content is covered thoroughly in"Cisco Equipment and Related Hardware"in the FLDTEC curriculum. Here's the breakdown:

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Stores bootstrap code, POST (Power-On Self-Test), and ROM Monitor.

These are essential for the device’s initial power-on operations and recovery modes.

NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM)

Holds thestartup configuration file, which is loaded during the boot process.

Content remains intact after a reboot or power cycle.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Stores therunning configurationand current operational state of the router or switch.

Also used for routing tables, ARPcache, and packet buffers.

Data is lost when the device is powered off or rebooted.

Flash Memory

Contains theCisco IOS image, system files, and can storebackup configurations.

It is a non-volatile storage, so it retains data after reboots.

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.​

After disconnecting the network cable from an SFP transceiver, theimmediate next step is to reinstall the dust plugsinto the optical bores. This action prevents contamination from dust or debris that can damage the optical interfaces or degrade performance.

It’s important to protect the exposed optical port before handling the rest of the transceiver module. Dust plugs help maintain the integrity of the component until a new cable or module is connected.

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.

TheSpine-and-Leafarchitecture is the preferredpod-based deployment modelin modern data centers because of itshigh scalability and flexibility. In this topology:

Leaf switchesconnect to servers and act as the access layer.

Spine switchesfunction as the core layer, interconnecting all leaf switches.

This non-blocking, highly redundant model supportspredictable latency, easy horizontal scaling, and load balancing, making it ideal for cloud-scale and virtualized environments.

Top of Rack (ToR)andEnd of Row (EoR)are physical cabling layouts that do not inherently provide the same level of architectural scalability.

Fabric Extender modelsextend switch ports but depend on upstream switches for intelligence, limiting flexibility.

Asubnet maskis a 32-bit number used in IP networking to divide an IP address into network and host portions. This division is crucial for routing traffic within and between networks. The subnet mask works in tandem with the IP address to identify which part of the address refers to the network and which part refers to the host. This distinction allows for efficient IP address allocation and routing.​

For example, in the IP address 192.168.1.10 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, the first three octets (192.168.1) represent the network portion, while the last octet (10) identifies the specific host within that network.​

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 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.

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.​

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.

When replacing afabric interconnectin a Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), the recommended procedure tominimize traffic disruptionis touse the fabric evacuation procedure on the subordinate fabric interconnect. This ensures that traffic is redirected to the other (active) fabric interconnect, allowing the system to maintain connectivity while one interconnect is replaced.

High availability should remain enabled to preserve redundancy.

Powering down both interconnects would cause a complete outage.

Disconnecting cables without graceful evacuation can result in traffic loss.

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.

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.​

InInstall mode, thepackages.conffile plays a crucial role in the boot process of Cisco IOS XE Software. It specifies the list of software packages to be loaded and the sequence in which they should be initialized during system startup. This file ensures that all necessary components are correctly loaded, providing a modular and flexible approach to software management.​

Contrary to the other options:​

Thepackages.conffile does not extract the bin file; it references already extracted packages.

It does not contain the entire bundled image; that's characteristic of Bundle mode.

While it resides in the flash memory, it is not a subdirectory but a configuration file.​

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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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.​

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.

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.​

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.

When connectingtwo devices of the same type(e.g., two routers, two switches, or two DTEs), acrossover cableis required. This cable swaps the transmit and receive pairs to allow direct communication between devices without the need for an intermediate device like a switch.

Straight-through cablesare used to connect different types of devices (e.g., PC to switch).

Rolled cablesare used for console access.

USB Type A to Bcables are typically used for peripheral device connections, not networking.