What technology allows a WLAN to connect multiple devices?

The technology that allows a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) to connect multiple devices is access points. Access points serve as a hub within a WLAN, enabling various devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other networked equipment to connect wirelessly. They facilitate communication between these devices and the broader network, including the internet.

Access points can manage multiple connections simultaneously, which is essential for maintaining a stable connection for numerous users in environments like offices, schools, or public spaces. By acting as a bridge between the devices and the wired network, access points extend the coverage area of the WLAN and enhance the overall network performance.

While Power over Ethernet provides power and network connectivity over Ethernet cables to devices like access points, it does not inherently allow for the connection of multiple devices in a WLAN. Fiber optic cables are used for high-speed data transmission and are typically part of the backbone of a wired network, not directly facilitating wireless connections. Bluetooth connectivity, although effective for connecting devices over short distances, is a different wireless technology focused on peer-to-peer communication rather than a network configuration like a WLAN.