Cisco 800-150 Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) Exam Practice Test

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.

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

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.​

Step 1 → Performs power-on self-test (POST)

Step 2 → Loads and runs bootstrap code (firmware)

Step 3 → Finds and loads the Cisco IOS software

Step 4 → Finds and loads the configuration

Step 5 → Runs the configured Cisco IOS software

This startup process is thoroughly described in theFLDTECcourse and alignswith Cisco's standard IOS boot process:

POST (Power-On Self-Test):Verifies hardware functionality including memory and interfaces. This occurs immediately upon powering the device.

Bootstrap Code Execution:Bootstrap is a small program in ROM that initiates the boot process.

Cisco IOS Loading:Bootstrap locates and loads the IOS from flash memory or another source (e.g., TFTP).

Configuration Loading:The router then loads the startup-config from NVRAM (if available).

IOS Execution:Once the configuration is loaded, the device enters operational mode and executes the IOS with the loaded config.

This sequence is vital for field technicians to understand for troubleshooting boot failures or performing device recoveries.

Backing up the configuration of a network device before replacement is a critical step to ensure business continuity and minimize downtime. The primary purpose of this backup is torestore the existing settings onto the new device, ensuring that it operates identically to the one being replaced.​

This process includes preserving interface configurations, routing protocols, access control lists, and other essential parameters. By restoring the backed-up configuration to the new device, network administrators can quickly reintegrate it into the network infrastructure without the need for manual reconfiguration, thereby reducing the risk of errors and service disruptions.​

Options A, B, and C do not align with the primary objective of configuration backups in the context of device replacement.​

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.

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.

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.

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 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.”

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.​

In wireless networking, theBasic 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.​

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 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.

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.​

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.

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.

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.​

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.

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.

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.

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.​

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.​

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.​

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.

Theboot systemcommand is used in globalconfiguration 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, andboot sourceare invalid or non-existent in standard Cisco IOS.

When installing a fan module in a Cisco Nexus fixed-configuration switch, it's crucial to ensure that theairflowdirection of the new fan matches the existing airflow configuration. Mismatched airflow directions can lead to inefficient cooling or even overheating of components, potentially affecting the performance or lifespan of the switch.

Cisco offers fan modules infront-to-backorback-to-frontairflow variants, and consistency is required for proper thermal management. These modules are also typically hot-swappable, meaning powering down the switch is not necessary.

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.

To back up the startup configuration of a Cisco device to a USB drive, the commandcopy startup-config usbflash0:[filename]is used. This command copies the contents of the startup configuration file stored in NVRAM to a specified file on the USB flash drive. This is particularly useful for creating backups before performing upgrades or replacements.​Option A:Copies the startup configuration to a TFTP server, not a USB drive.

Option B:Attempts to copy from the USB drive to the startup configuration, which is the reverse of the desired operation.

Option D:Copies the running configuration, not the startup configuration, to the USB drive.​

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.​