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

The commandcopy tftp: running-configis used to retrieve a configuration file from a TFTP server and merge it with the current running configuration of a Cisco device. Thisoperation is additive, meaning it integrates the new configuration commands into the existing running configuration without removing any pre-existing commands unless explicitly overridden.​

This method is particularly useful when restoring configurations to a replacement device, as it allows for the seamless integration of necessary settings without disrupting the current operational state.​

In contrast, usingcopy tftp: startup-configwould overwrite the startup configuration file, which could lead to unintended consequences upon the next device reload. The optionsload tftp: running-configandmerge tftp: running-configare not valid Cisco IOS commands.​

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.

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.

The FLDTEC course teaches thatTFTPis a lightweight file transfer protocol often used in Cisco devices for transferring configuration files or IOS images, especially in environments where simplicity is more critical than security:

Advantages:

It has alightweight footprint, making it easy touse and configure.

Useful fortransferring small filessuch as backup configs or small IOS images.

Disadvantages:

Lacks encryption anddoes not support authentication, making itinsecurefor sensitive or production environments.

Not efficientfor large file transfers due to its limited feature set and reliance on UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

This makes TFTP a good fit fortrusted internal networkswhere simplicity is preferred over robust security.

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.​

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.​

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.

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.

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.​

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

Theinstall allcommand is the standard method used to install or upgrade Cisco NX-OS software on Nexus switches. This command streamlines the installation process by automating tasks such as verifying the software image, checking for compatibility, and managing the installation of optional packages or SMUs (Software Maintenance Upgrades). It ensures a comprehensive and efficient upgrade process, minimizing the potential for errors.​Cisco

In contrast:​

copy tftp: running-configis used to copy configuration files, not software images.

install kickstartis an outdated command from earlier NX-OS versions.

boot systemsets the boot variable but does not handle the full installation process.​

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.

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.

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 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.​

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.

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.

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.

Cisco MDS switches are segmented into two key categories: Director-Class and Fabric Switches, each tailored for different SANenvironments:

Director-Class Switches (e.g., Cisco MDS 9700 Series):

Modular and highly scalable

Support hot-swappable components (line cards, supervisors, fabric modules)

High port density and performance for core SANs in enterprise data centers

Fabric Switches (e.g., Cisco MDS 9148T):

Compact, fixed-form factor

Best suited for smaller SANs or edge locations

Cost-effective and simple to deploy

This distinction is important when selecting hardware for data center core vs access layers in SAN architectures.

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 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 main advantage ofCisco Intersightis itscloud-based architecture, which allows IT administrators tomanage infrastructure from any locationwithout needing to install or maintain traditional on-premises management tools.

This provides:

Centralized visibility and control over UCS servers and HyperFlex infrastructure

Remote firmware upgrades and configuration

Policy-driven automation

Unlike on-premises tools, Intersight eliminates the overhead of maintaining dedicated infrastructure for management.

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 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.

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.​

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 Room Kit→ All-in-one devices for personal workspaces and meeting rooms

Cisco Desk Series→ Standalone modular video conferencing systems

Quad Camera→ Multi-angle video capture for immersive experiences

Room Navigator→ Touch panel for room controls and scheduling

Cisco Board→ Interactive touchscreen displays supporting video conferencing

Cisco’s collaboration portfolio includes a wide variety ofhardware endpointsused toenhance remote communication and conference room experiences. These are highlighted in the FLDTEC material as follows:

Cisco Room Kit: Combines camera, codec, speakers, and microphones into one device — designed for easy integration with displays in meeting spaces.

Cisco Desk Series: Purpose-built for desktop video conferencing and modular setups.

Quad Camera: Offersautomatic speaker trackingandintelligent framing, used in large rooms for immersive experiences.

Room Navigator: Used tocontrol meetings, reserve rooms, and manage smart building functions.

Cisco Board: Interactive digital whiteboard that integratesvideo conferencing, whiteboarding, and wireless sharing.

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.

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.​