After upgrading the firmware on a Cisco UCS C-Series server using the Host Upgrade Utility (HUU), it

is critical to verify the update status to ensure that all targeted components (such as BIOS, CIMC, and

RAID controller firmware) have been successfully 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.

Reference: Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) – Maintenance and RMA

Procedures

===========

During the boot process of Cisco devices running NX-OS, pressing Ctrl-C at the right time will

interrupt the boot sequence and bring the system to the boot 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.

Reference: Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) – Cisco IOS Software Basics

===========

The command copy tftp: running-config is used to retrieve a configuration file from a TFTP server and

merge it with the current running configuration of a Cisco device. This operation 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, using copy tftp: startup-config would overwrite the startup configuration file, which could

lead to unintended consequences upon the next device reload. The options load tftp: running-config

and merge tftp: running-config are not valid Cisco IOS commands.​

Reference: Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) – Maintenance and RMA

Procedures​Cisco

===========

Cisco 8000 Series routers are primarily designed for service provider and web-scale networks,

offering high-performance routing capabilities to handle large-scale, high-bandwidth environments

typically found in service provider infrastructures and data centers.

In the context of Wide 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 as media 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 with Cisco’s WAN architecture fundamentals as highlighted in FLDTEC under “Cisco

Equipment and Related Hardware.”

The correct sequence for mounting a Cisco device in a rack is:​

Install mounting brackets: Attach the appropriate rack-mount brackets to the sides of the device

using the screws provided. This step prepares the device for secure installation in the rack.​

Mount in rack: Carefully place the device into the rack, aligning the brackets with the rack posts, and

secure it using the appropriate rack-mount screws.​

Ground the device: After the device is securely mounted, connect the grounding wire to the chassis

grounding point and then to the facility ground. This step ensures safety and compliance with

electrical standards.​

This sequence is recommended to ensure both the physical security of the device and the safety of

personnel during installation.​

Reference: Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) – Cisco Equipment and Related

Hardware

https://kxbjsyuhceggsyvxdkof.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/file-images/800-150/page_47_img_1.jpg

In the FLDTEC course, under Maintenance and RMA Procedures, Cisco outlines a specific sequence

for bringing up an E-Series server module in an ISR router. The sequence ensures 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 during modular hardware upgrades or

RMAs in the field.

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.

Reference: Supporting Cisco Devices for Field Technicians (FLDTEC) – Cisco Equipment and Related

Hardware

Kickstart Image → Specialized bootloader that initializes the hardware System Image → Contains the full NX-OS kernel and operating system Global configuration command mode → Provides access to the broadest range of commands that affect the device as a whole EXEC command mode → Allows for displaying device status and configuration information This knowledge is covered under Cisco IOS/NX-OS Software Basics in the FLDTEC training: Kickstart Image: A lightweight bootloader image that initializes hardware and launches the system image. It's comparable to ROMMON in traditional IOS devices. System Image: Includes the full NX-OS operating system, services, drivers, and kernel required to run the device. Global Configuration Mode: After entering privileged EXEC mode (enable), this mode allows changes to system-wide settings such as interfaces, routing protocols, and VLANs. EXEC Mode: Has two levels—User EXEC and Privileged EXEC. User EXEC provides limited diagnostic commands, while Privileged EXEC allows more extensive system views (show commands, reload, etc.). Understanding these layers is essential when maintaining or restoring NX-OS devices in field 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 network connectivity 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.