Which of the following tasks can be performed in operational mode?

In operational mode, the primary focus is on monitoring and managing the device without making permanent configuration changes. Upgrading device software fits into this behavior because it involves managing the current state and capabilities of the device. Operational mode allows you to run commands that check the status, gather information, and perform tasks like software upgrades, all of which are transient and do not involve altering the ongoing configuration directly.

The rest of the choices involve making persistent changes to the device’s configuration. Changing configuration files, setting up routing protocols, and modifying firewall settings are actions that typically occur in configuration mode, where the full configuration of the device can be adjusted. Operating modes serve different functions, and understanding the division between operational and configuration modes is crucial for effective device management.