Which wireless local area network (WLAN) device is described as a half-duplex device with intelligence equivalent to that of a sophisticated Ethernet switch?

An access point (AP) functions as a half-duplex device, effectively managing the communication between wireless clients and the wired network. Unlike some other devices, an access point has the capability to perform more complex tasks comparable to those of an Ethernet switch. It doesn't just relay data but can also manage traffic, direct data flows, handle multiple connections simultaneously, and provide features like network segmentation, security management, and Quality of Service (QoS).

This level of intelligence allows the access point to optimize the overall performance and efficiency of the wireless network, enabling better bandwidth allocation and reducing collisions among devices trying to access the network. In contrast, a wireless bridge tends to connect two different networks or extend an existing network but lacks the sophisticated traffic management features of an access point. Range extenders and wireless repeaters primarily function to amplify and extend a signal, working as simpler relay devices without advanced routing functionalities.