How can you close the current configuration mode in CLI?

To close the current configuration mode in the Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI), typing 'exit' is the appropriate command. When in configuration mode, issuing the 'exit' command will take you back one level in the hierarchical structure of the configuration. This is a fundamental aspect of navigating the CLI, where you move through various modes such as user mode, privileged mode, and configuration mode by entering specific commands.

The 'exit' command effectively allows for a smooth transition back to a previous mode, facilitating the management of device configurations. In the context of network devices, understanding how to navigate the CLI efficiently is crucial for effective troubleshooting and configuration tasks.

Other commands like 'quit' and 'close' do not serve this specific purpose in the context of Cisco devices, as they do not align with the established command structure for transitioning between configuration modes. Similarly, while 'end' can be used to exit configuration mode, it is typically employed to return directly to the privileged EXEC mode without moving sequentially through the configuration levels, making 'exit' the more reliable method in this scenario for most common configurations.