Which device is typically connected to a wired network to enable wireless communication?

Which device is typically connected to a wired network to enable wireless communication?

• A. Switch
• B. Router
• C. Wireless Access Point
• D. Firewall

Answer: (C)

Wireless Access Point provides the wireless bridge to a wired network. It connects to the wired infrastructure (usually via Ethernet from a switch) and emits the Wi‑Fi signal, allowing devices like laptops and phones to join the LAN without a physical wired connection. It also handles wireless security (like WPA2/WPA3) and manages client associations, essentially translating wireless frames into wired LAN frames. A switch, while essential for expanding wired connections, does not emit wireless signals and thus cannot enable Wi‑Fi on its own. A router connects different networks and often includes routing and NAT functions, and some routers have built‑in wireless capabilities, but the standard way to provide wireless access to an existing wired network is via a dedicated Wireless Access Point. A firewall sits between networks to filter traffic and does not provide wireless connectivity.

Wireless Access Point provides the wireless bridge to a wired network. It connects to the wired infrastructure (usually via Ethernet from a switch) and emits the Wi‑Fi signal, allowing devices like laptops and phones to join the LAN without a physical wired connection. It also handles wireless security (like WPA2/WPA3) and manages client associations, essentially translating wireless frames into wired LAN frames.

A switch, while essential for expanding wired connections, does not emit wireless signals and thus cannot enable Wi‑Fi on its own. A router connects different networks and often includes routing and NAT functions, and some routers have built‑in wireless capabilities, but the standard way to provide wireless access to an existing wired network is via a dedicated Wireless Access Point. A firewall sits between networks to filter traffic and does not provide wireless connectivity.