Free Practice Questions for Cisco 800-150 Exam

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.​

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.

ANetwork Interface Card (NIC)is essential for device connectivity. Two common symptoms indicating that a NIC may be faulty and require replacement are:

Connectivity problems (Option A):Devices may fail to communicate with the network, showing no IP address assignment or inability to ping/connect to other devices.

Consistent link down status (Option D):The link LED may stay off or frequently go down, even when connected to a functioning switch port with a known-good cable.

Other options like configuration issues (Option B) or system crashes (Option E) might be due to software or unrelated hardware components, and boot failures (Option C) typically point to motherboard or storage faults.

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.

Cisco Nexus switchesare specifically designed for deployment indata centers, where they providehigh-performance, low-latency switchingto support modern workloads, virtualization, and cloud computing environments.

Nexus switches operate usingNX-OS, a purpose-built operating system optimized for data center needs. These switches support technologies like virtual port channels (vPC), FabricPath, and Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), which are essential for scalable and highly available data center networks.

They are not typically used in branch offices, as wireless access points, or as edge routers.

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.​

Theprimary reasonfor placing heavier equipment, such as UPS units or core switches, at thebottom of a rackis tomaintain stability. A lower center of gravity reduces the risk of tipping, especially when the rack is not yet bolted or braced.

This is a standard safety precaution in network hardware installation and is particularly important when racks are being serviced or relocated.

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.