What device is used in both wired and wireless networks to link network access devices?

A bridge operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) and forwards frames based on MAC addresses, and it is implemented in both wired (Ethernet bridge) and wireless (wireless bridge or access point in bridge mode) forms. Wireless bridges specifically connect two separate network segments or buildings using radio links while maintaining Layer 2 continuity, satisfying the requirement to link access devices across both wired and wireless media.

A gateway translates between different network protocols or architectures at upper OSI layers and is not used to directly link network access devices at Layer 2.

A router operates at Layer 3 to connect separate logical IP networks or subnets and is not used to link access devices within or between the same Layer 2 domain.

A switch is primarily a wired networking device used to connect multiple end devices within a single LAN segment and does not natively function as a wireless bridging device.