In a wireless LAN, which two components are needed so that wireless clients can connect to a wired network?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

An access point bridges wireless devices to the wired LAN, and a wireless NIC provides the client with the radio interface to use that bridge.

1. Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Access point (AP): a network device that provides radio (Wi‑Fi) coverage and connects wireless frames to the wired Ethernet network (acts as a bridge or central radio concentrator). It advertises SSIDs, handles association/authentication, and forwards traffic onto the wired LAN.
- Wireless NIC (network interface card): the client‑side hardware (internal or USB) that enables a laptop/phone to transmit and receive 802.11 radio signals.
- Other devices listed (switch, firewall, hub, bridge, router, modem) have specific roles—many are wired devices and do not by themselves provide a radio interface.

2. Step‑by‑step reasoning process
Step 1: Determine required functions for wireless clients to access a wired network:
- The client must have a radio interface (wireless NIC).
- The wireless network must be bridged into the wired infrastructure (access point).
Step 2: Match these functions to the options:
- Option d supplies both: an access point (bridging function) and a wireless NIC (client radio).

3. Intermediate steps (mapping functions to options)
- Wireless NIC = client radio → only option d includes this.
- Bridging wireless to wired = access point → only option d includes this.

4. Why the correct answer is correct
Option d directly supplies the two necessary components: the AP creates the wireless-to-wired bridge, and the wireless NIC enables the client to use the AP’s radio link. Together they allow wireless clients to connect to the wired network.

5. Why the other options are incorrect
- a. Switch and firewall: both are wired infrastructure devices; neither provides a radio interface for clients.
- b. Hub and bridge: hubs are obsolete shared wired repeaters and a generic bridge may connect LAN segments but does not provide Wi‑Fi radio for clients.
- c. Router and modem: these provide routing and ISP connectivity, not necessarily Wi‑Fi; without an AP and client NIC, wireless clients cannot connect.

6. Conclusion
The correct choice is d. Access point and wireless NIC, which matches the provided answer.

In a wireless LAN, which two components are needed so that wireless clients can connect to a wired network?Single choice

Similar Questions

What transmission medium is used for a wireless access point in a LAN to transmit wireless signals to other devices?

Identify the following network protocol: The set of rules about how data is transmitted within a wireless local area network.

A wired LAN has been setup that uses ethernet protocol. Which one of the following allows other devices to connect to this LAN wirelessly?

True or False: If someone (wearing ordinary clothing) physically stands between a computer and WAP, the computer will always lose its wireless connection to the network.

Question-05) In the following IEEE 802.11 frame the Address 2 is:

In Bluetooth, which device type initiates communication in a piconet?

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler