What type of network component enables each device to have the full bandwidth of the medium when transmitting?

A switching hub, more commonly referred to as a switch, is a network device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). Unlike traditional hubs, which share bandwidth among all connected devices, a switch gives each device its dedicated bandwidth. This means that when one device is transmitting data, others can simultaneously send or receive data at full speed without interference or bandwidth sharing.

In a network with a switching hub, data packets are intelligently directed to their specific destination device, ensuring efficient communication. This capability reduces collisions and increases overall network performance, making switches essential for modern networking environments where high bandwidth and performance are necessary.

In contrast, a repeater amplifies the signal to extend the distance over which data can travel, but it does not manage bandwidth between connected devices. A wireless access point serves as a bridge for wireless devices to connect to a wired network but also does not provide bandwidth segmentation. A bridge connects different network segments at the data link layer but may not provide the same level of performance and dedicated bandwidth that a switch does.