Bridge Link (VLAN Transparent Mode): This feature, often referred to as VLAN Transparent mode in Cisco mesh configurations, addresses the requirement that the wired infrastructure must pass the native and tagged VLANs from the remote side without defining them on the RAP or MAP Gigabit interfaces. When the mesh access point is configured for VLAN Transparent mode, it functions like a Layer 2 wireless trunk cable. The MAP passes all VLAN tagged and untagged (native) frames received on its Ethernet port over the wireless backhaul to the RAP without interpreting or dropping the tags.
Ethernet Bridging: This feature addresses the requirement to extend the wired network infrastructure from RAP. Ethernet Bridging (or Client Access) must be enabled on the MAP's Ethernet port. This allows the MAP to act as a wireless bridge, enabling a switch or client device to be plugged into the MAP's Ethernet port. The traffic from this wired client is then sent back to the RAP (and thus the core wired network) over the wireless mesh link, effectively extending the LAN to the remote building.