What informs a mobile wireless device of an available Wi-Fi network as it enters a hotspot?

The correct response highlights the action of the access point in advertising its presence, which is fundamental to how mobile wireless devices connect to available networks. When a mobile device enters a hotspot, the access point emits signals that communicate information about available networks, including the Service Set Identifier (SSID) and the supported security protocols. This advertisement is crucial because it allows devices to identify and connect to the network without needing to actively seek it out.

While devices do have their own methods for locating networks and can broadcast or scan for connections, the passive broadcasting and advertising by the access point is the primary mechanism that informs devices of available networks as they enter the hotspot area. This means that the mobile device can then make informed decisions on whether or not to connect, based on the advertised network parameters.

In contrast, other options involve actions that are either less direct or contingent upon prior knowledge. For instance, devices broadcasting to find networks or scanning for saved connections can occur, but they typically follow the reception of advertisements from access points. Similarly, while configuration files can assist in setting up connections, they do not serve to announce a network’s presence. Hence, the advertisement of the access point as it broadcasts its availability is the correct answer that accurately captures the process by which devices become aware