Final answer:
A Cisco lightweight AP operating in Local mode provides BSS and does not form a mesh network. Mesh mode is needed to form a mesh network among multiple APs, allowing them to communicate wirelessly without physical cables.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Cisco lightweight AP operating in Local mode provides Basic Service Set (BSS); it does not form a mesh when it is enabled on multiple APs. Mesh mode is required to form a mesh when it is enabled on multiple APs.
The Local mode is the most common mode for Cisco lightweight APs. It allows APs to communicate directly with the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) to make decisions and manage traffic. This mode supports services such as CleanAir, which helps to create a reliable wireless network environment by detecting RF interference and taking actions to mitigate its impact on wireless performance.
On the other hand, Mesh mode is used for establishing wireless connectivity between multiple APs without the need for a physical cable. This mode is useful in situations where it is impracticable or too expensive to run Ethernet cables. Mesh APs communicate with each other to efficiently route traffic back to the WLC, which makes it possible to extend the wireless network over a larger area without the need for wired infrastructure.