Which AP mode is ideal for connecting remote sites without using a WAN?

The ideal access point mode for connecting remote sites without using a WAN is the Outdoor Bridge mode. This mode is specifically designed to establish a wireless bridge connection between two or more distinct locations, effectively creating a point-to-point (PtP) link or a point-to-multipoint (PtMP) link. It utilizes longer-range wireless technologies to connect remote sites that may be several miles apart without the need for a conventional wide area network (WAN) connection.

This capability is especially useful in scenarios where laying down physical cabling is impractical, cost-prohibitive, or time-consuming. Outdoor bridge mode optimizes the connection by using antennas capable of maintaining stable connections over longer distances while providing adequate bandwidth for data transfer.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes that do not align as closely with the requirement for connecting remote sites. For example, repeater mode extends wireless coverage by amplifying signals but is not efficient for bridging distinct locations. Workgroup Bridge mode can connect wired devices to a wireless LAN but is limited to a more localized context, thus not suitable for distant site connections. Lastly, Access Point mode is oriented towards connecting wireless clients to the local network rather than linking remote sites.