What is the role of a Wireless Access Point (WAP) in a network?

• A. It allows wireless clients to connect to the network.
• B. It routes traffic between subnets.
• C. It provides DNS services.
• D. It acts as a firewall.

Answer: (A)

AWireless Access Point serves as the bridge that lets wireless devices join the local network. It connects to the wired LAN (often via a switch) and relays traffic between wireless clients and the wired infrastructure, effectively extending the network to devices without cables.

In this role, authentication and security are important, with wireless clients using protections like WPA2 or WPA3 to access resources on the network. The AP itself typically does not perform routing between subnets; that function is handled by a router or a Layer 3 device. DNS services come from DNS servers, and firewall duties come from dedicated firewall devices or the router; the AP’s primary job is to provide wireless connectivity and bridging between the wireless and wired networks.