Can the IF573 operate in either AP or AP/Sta mode?

The Laird IF573 can work in Access Point mode, but there are limitations depending on the band used.

2.4 GHz Band

The IF573 will work in AP mode or AP/Sta mode in the 2.4 GHz.

5 GHz Band

The IF573 will work as AP mode or AP/Sta mode in the U-NII-1 bands (5.170 GHz to 5.250 GHz). The IF573 does not have the RADAR chip that is needed for DFS to be used as an AP in the other U-NII bands.

6 GHz

The IF573 is classified as an Indoor Client Access Class device. This means that it cannot be used in AP or AP/Sta mode in the 6 GHz band. It can only be used as a client.