What is the role of a modem in a customer’s internet connection?

A modem plays a crucial role in a customer’s internet connection by converting digital data from a computer into an analog signal for transmission over cable systems. When a user wants to access the internet, their device generates digital signals, which the modem then modulates into analog signals that can be sent over the coaxial or phone lines used by the service provider. Conversely, when data is received from the internet, the modem demodulates the incoming analog signals back into digital signals that the computer can understand. This conversion process is essential for enabling effective communication between the customer's devices and the wider internet.

The other options reflect functions that are either unrelated to the basic purpose of a modem or pertain to different devices. For example, boosting Wi-Fi signal strength pertains to a router or range extender, while storing user data and preferences is typically handled by software or cloud services. Regulating power flow to connected devices relates to power management systems, not to the function of a modem in facilitating internet connectivity.