Which device most commonly connects wireless clients to a network?

The most common device that connects wireless clients to a network is the access point. An access point serves as a central hub for wireless devices, enabling them to connect to a wired network. It facilitates communication between these wireless clients, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, and the broader network, including the internet.

Access points extend the reach of a network by allowing wireless connections, making them essential for environments where users need mobility or when it's impractical to run cables to every device. They typically connect to a router or switch via an Ethernet cable and broadcast a wireless signal, which devices can then connect to seamlessly.

In contrast, a router primarily manages and directs traffic between different networks, including both wired and wireless connections, but it does not directly facilitate wireless client connections as an access point does. A switch is mainly used to connect wired devices within a local area network, while a modem connects a network to the internet but does not provide direct wireless connectivity for clients. Thus, in the context of connecting wireless clients, the access point is the device most specifically designed for that purpose.