What is specifically addressed in the interface configuration mode?

In the interface configuration mode, per-interface operational commands are specifically addressed. This mode allows network administrators to configure settings that are unique to each interface on a Cisco device, such as enabling or disabling the interface, setting IP addresses, configuring encapsulation types (like Ethernet), and modifying interface-specific parameters.

This mode is much more focused than other configuration modes, which deal with broader settings across the entire device. For example, while global device settings may include configurations that impact the whole device (like hostnames or passwords), interface configuration mode targets a particular interface, allowing for precise control over its operations and behavior. Additionally, access control lists (ACLs) are typically dealt with in a different context, where they are applied to interfaces but are not the primary focus of interface configuration mode.

Thus, the emphasis on per-interface operational commands in this mode allows for tailored configurations that enhance the performance and security of network interfaces.