2.0 Cisco Equipment and Hardware

Question 1

2.1 Identify the Cisco equipment including the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series, Nexus 7000 Series, Nexus 3000 Series, MDS 9000 Series, Catalyst 9000 Series, Catalyst 6800 Series, Catalyst 6500 E-Series, Catalyst 3850, 3650, 2960, 1000 Series and Meraki switches and Cisco 8000 Series, Cisco ASR 9000 Series, Cisco ASR 1000 Series, NCS 5500 Series ,NCS 5000 Series routers and Cisco 4000, 1100, 900, 800 Series Integrated Service routers.

Answer 1

Practice

Question 2

2.2 Identify Cisco products by logo marking and model number (including, but not limited to, locations on chassis, line card, module, or adapter)

Answer 2

Practice

Question 3

2.3 Identify Cisco Transceiver Modules

Answer 3

1. SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) Transceivers:
   
   • SFP transceivers are hot-swappable, compact optical modules used to connect switches, routers, and other networking devices to fiber optic or copper Ethernet cables.
   • They support various data rates and fiber types, including multimode and single-mode fiber.
   • Common types of Cisco SFP transceivers include:
     
     • SFP-10G-SR: 10GBASE-SR SFP+ transceiver for multimode fiber.
     • SFP-10G-LR: 10GBASE-LR SFP+ transceiver for single-mode fiber.
     • GLC-SX-MM: Gigabit Ethernet SFP transceiver for multimode fiber.
     • GLC-LH-SM: Gigabit Ethernet SFP transceiver for single-mode fiber.
     • GLC-T: Gigabit Ethernet SFP transceiver for copper twisted-pair cables.
2. SFP+ (Enhanced Small Form-factor Pluggable) Transceivers:
   
   • SFP+ transceivers are an enhanced version of SFP transceivers, offering higher data rates and performance.
   • They are commonly used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) connections.
   • Examples of Cisco SFP+ transceivers include:
     
     • SFP-10G-SR: 10GBASE-SR SFP+ transceiver for multimode fiber.
     • SFP-10G-LR: 10GBASE-LR SFP+ transceiver for single-mode fiber.
     • SFP-10G-LRM: 10GBASE-LRM SFP+ transceiver for multimode fiber with extended reach.
3. GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) Transceivers:
   
   • GBIC transceivers are an older form factor compared to SFP, but they offer similar functionality for Gigabit Ethernet connections.
   • They are larger than SFP modules and are less commonly used today.
   • Examples of Cisco GBIC transceivers include:
     
     • WS-G5484: Gigabit Ethernet GBIC transceiver for multimode fiber.
     • WS-G5486: Gigabit Ethernet GBIC transceiver for single-mode fiber.
4. QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) Transceivers:
   
   • QSFP transceivers are used for high-speed data transmission, typically for 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) or 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) connections.
   • They support parallel transmission over multiple fibers.
   • Examples of Cisco QSFP transceivers include:
     
     • QSFP-40G-SR4: 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ transceiver for multimode fiber.
     • QSFP-40G-LR4: 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceiver for single-mode fiber.
     • QSFP-100G-SR4: 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 transceiver for multimode fiber.

Question 4

2.4 Identify and locate the serial number of Cisco products (including, but not limited to, locations on chassis, line card, module, or adapter)

Answer 4

Practice

Question 5

2.5 Identify and describe commonly used components

Answer 5

Power supplies, fans, supervisor modules, ports

Question 6

2.6 Describe hardware memory common terms and their use in Cisco routers and switches

Answer 6

1. RAM (Random Access Memory):
   
   • RAM is volatile memory used by the device to store the running configuration, routing tables, buffers, and other temporary data required for operation.
   • It provides fast access to data but loses its contents when the device is powered off or restarted.
   • In Cisco devices, RAM is essential for normal operation and influences the device’s performance and capacity to handle concurrent tasks.
2. Flash Memory:
   
   • Flash memory is non-volatile memory used to store the device’s operating system (Cisco IOS), configuration files, and other essential software components.
   • It retains data even when the device is powered off and allows for software upgrades, configuration changes, and file storage.
   • Flash memory is commonly used for storing the device’s firmware and multiple versions of Cisco IOS images.
3. NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM):
   
   • NVRAM is a small amount of non-volatile memory used to store the device’s startup configuration.
   • Unlike RAM, NVRAM retains its contents even when the device is powered off.
   • Upon booting up, the device copies the startup configuration from NVRAM into RAM, where it becomes the running configuration.
   • NVRAM is critical for maintaining configuration settings across reboots and power cycles.
4. CPU (Central Processing Unit) Memory:
   
   • CPU memory refers to the memory space within the processor (CPU) itself used for executing instructions and processing data.
   • It includes registers, caches, and other memory structures closely integrated with the CPU.
   • In Cisco devices, CPU memory is not directly user-accessible but plays a crucial role in determining the device’s processing capabilities and overall performance.
5. Shared Memory / Buffer Memory:
   
   • Shared memory, also known as buffer memory, is used to temporarily store data packets as they move through the device.
   • It includes input buffers, output buffers, and other memory structures used for packet processing and forwarding.
   • Shared memory is crucial for managing traffic flows, queuing packets, and preventing congestion within the device.
6. ROM (Read-Only Memory):
   
   • ROM contains firmware and bootstrap code used to boot up the device and initiate the loading of the operating system.
   • It is typically not directly user-accessible or modifiable.
   • ROM plays a fundamental role in the device’s initial startup process and is essential for device initialization and operation.

Question 7

2.7 Identify the cabling on Cisco equipment

Answer 7

1. Ethernet Cables:
   
   • Ethernet cables are the most commonly used cables in Cisco networking for connecting devices within a local area network (LAN).
   • Types of Ethernet cables include:
     
     • Category 5e (Cat5e): Used for Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) connections.
     • Category 6 (Cat6): Provides higher performance and is suitable for Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet connections.
     • Category 6a (Cat6a): Offers even higher performance and is commonly used for 10-Gigabit Ethernet connections.
2. Fiber Optic Cables:
   
   • Fiber optic cables use light signals to transmit data and are used for high-speed, long-distance connections.
   • Types of fiber optic cables include:
     
     • Single-mode fiber (SMF): Used for long-distance connections with low attenuation.
     • Multi-mode fiber (MMF): Suitable for shorter distances and offers lower cost.
   • Fiber optic cables are used for connections between switches, routers, and other networking equipment, especially in data centers and enterprise networks.
3. Console Cables:
   
   • Console cables are used for connecting a computer or terminal to the console port of Cisco networking devices.
   • These cables typically use a serial connection and are used for initial device configuration, troubleshooting, and monitoring.
   • The console cable often has an RJ45 connector on one end and a DB9 or USB connector on the other end, depending on the type of device being connected.
4. Power Cables:
   
   • Power cables are used to provide electrical power to Cisco networking devices.
   • Cisco devices typically use standard power cables compatible with the region’s electrical standards, such as C13/C14 connectors for standard power outlets.
   • Some high-end Cisco devices may also support redundant power supplies for increased reliability.
5. Stacking Cables:
   
   • Stacking cables are used to connect multiple switches together to form a single logical unit, known as a stack.
   • Cisco switches often support stacking capabilities to simplify management and increase scalability.
   • Stacking cables are typically proprietary cables designed for specific switch models and stacking configurations.
6. Patch Cables:
   
   • Patch cables are short Ethernet cables used to connect devices within a rack or equipment cabinet.
   • These cables are often used to connect devices to patch panels, switches, and servers within a data center or network closet.

Question 8

2.8 Identify tools for hardware installation and replacement

Answer 8

Screw driver, crimper, punch down tool, cable tester, rack mount tools

Question 9

2.9a Identify the different loop-back plugs - RJ45 Ethernet

Answer 9

RJ45 Ethernet Loopback Plug:

This plug is used to test Ethernet connections.
It typically consists of an RJ45 connector with the transmit (TX) pins connected to the receive (RX) pins, effectively creating a loopback at the physical layer.
The loopback plug allows for testing of the physical layer of Ethernet connections without needing another device.

Pinout:
Pin 1 (TX+) to Pin 3 (RX+)
Pin 2 (TX-) to Pin 6 (RX-)
Pin 3 (RX+) to Pin 1 (TX+)
Pin 6 (RX-) to Pin 2 (TX-)
This configuration effectively creates a loopback at the physical layer of the Ethernet connection.

Question 10

2.9b Identify the different loop-back plugs - T1

Answer 10

T1 Loopback Plug:

T1 loopback plugs are used to test T1 lines, which are digital transmission lines used primarily in telecommunications.
The T1 loopback plug typically connects the transmit pair to the receive pair at the T1 interface, allowing for testing of the line’s integrity.

Pinout:
Pin 1 (TX) to Pin 4 (RX)
Pin 2 (TX) to Pin 5 (RX)
Pin 4 (RX) to Pin 1 (TX)
Pin 5 (RX) to Pin 2 (TX)
This loopback plug configuration connects the transmit pair (pins 1 and 2) to the receive pair (pins 4 and 5) of the T1 interface.

Question 11

2.9c Identify the different loop-back plugs - 56K

Answer 11

56K Loopback Plug:

This plug is used to test 56K digital subscriber lines (DSL).
Similar to T1 loopback plugs, the 56K loopback plug connects the transmit pair to the receive pair, allowing for testing of the DSL line.

Pinout:
Pin 1 (TX) to Pin 4 (RX)
Pin 2 (TX) to Pin 5 (RX)
Pin 4 (RX) to Pin 1 (TX)
Pin 5 (RX) to Pin 2 (TX)
Similar to the T1 loopback plug, the 56K loopback plug connects the transmit pair (pins 1 and 2) to the receive pair (pins 4 and 5) of the 56K digital subscriber line (DSL) interface.

Question 12

Cisco RMA

Answer 12

Send components back to Cisco to get replacements

Cisco RMA Creation Process

Part information
Site informations
Delivery Details
Review and Submit

Need to know:
RMA number
Company name
Product name
Serial number
Service request number