Final answer:
B) Infrastructure mode. This is the scenario where a wireless controller is linked to APs through wired connections, forming a network where the APs act as intermediaries for devices to communicate.
Step-by-step explanation:
In infrastructure mode, wireless devices communicate through an AP that serves as the central node. This mode is commonly used in businesses and schools where a single wireless controller manages multiple APs, and these APs are connected to the controller via wired Ethernet. This differs from ad-hoc mode, where devices communicate directly without an AP; bridged mode, which usually refers to connecting two separate networks; and mesh mode, where nodes communicate with each other to spread a network across a large area without relying on a wired backbone.
For example, in a school setting, the wireless controller can be connected to each AP in different buildings via Ethernet cables. This allows the controller to centrally manage and configure the APs, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity and effective network management.