What capability was added to residential gateways to connect with IEEE 802.11 compliant devices?

Wireless capability was added to residential gateways to connect with IEEE 802.11 compliant devices, which is essential for facilitating wireless communication. IEEE 802.11, commonly referred to as Wi-Fi, encompasses a set of standards for wireless local area networks (WLANs). By incorporating wireless capability into residential gateways, these devices enable various gadgets within a home—such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets—to connect to the Internet without the need for physical cables. This convenience and flexibility have made Wi-Fi a fundamental aspect of modern home networking.

While enhanced security features, automatic bandwidth adjustment, and wired USB connectivity may also be beneficial in different contexts, they do not specifically address the fundamental requirement for connecting to IEEE 802.11 compliant devices. Thus, the addition of wireless capability is the most relevant advancement for enabling communication with these devices.