After attaching four PCs to the switch ports, configuring the SSID and setting authentication properties for a small office network, a technician successfully tests the connectivity of all PCs that are connected to the switch and WLAN. A firewall is then configured on the device prior to connecting it to the Internet. What type of network device includes all of the described features?

The type of network device that includes all of the described features – connecting multiple PCs to switch ports, configuring an SSID (Service Set Identifier) for wireless networking, setting up authentication properties, and integrating a firewall – is most likely a wireless router. Here’s why:

1. Standalone Wireless Access Point: While a wireless access point would allow for the configuration of an SSID and support wireless connectivity, it typically does not include switch ports for direct PC connections, nor does it integrate a firewall for Internet connectivity. It’s mainly focused on providing wireless access to a network.
2. Firewall Appliance: A firewall appliance is primarily designed to provide network security. It monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Although some advanced firewall appliances may offer additional features, they typically don’t provide wireless access or switch ports for direct PC connections as their primary function.
3. Switch: A switch is a network device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device. However, standard switches do not provide wireless connectivity or have built-in firewall capabilities.
4. Wireless Router: A wireless router combines the functions of a router (directing traffic between networks, typically including Internet connectivity), a switch (providing multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections), and a wireless access point (allowing devices to connect to the network wirelessly). It also often includes firewall capabilities to protect the network from external threats. This makes it the most fitting choice for the scenario described, as it encompasses all the functionalities mentioned: switch ports, wireless SSID and authentication configuration, and a firewall for Internet connectivity.

Therefore, a wireless router is the type of network device that would include all the described features for a small office network setup.