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Software Enabled Access Point (softAP)

Used interchangeably with the term “virtual router”.

A softAP is a virtual wireless access point that is created by software running on a device, such as a computer or smartphone. It allows the device to act as a WAP without the need for additional hardware. It allows other devices to connect to the internet through the device running the software.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftAP

https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-access-point-ap-web-server/