What role does demodulation play in the function of a cable modem?

Demodulation plays a critical role in the functioning of a cable modem by converting analog signals received over coaxial cables into digital signals that can be processed by devices connected to the internet, such as computers or routers. When data is transmitted over cable television lines, it is usually in analog form; hence, the cable modem must demodulate this information to produce a digital signal that aligns with the digital processing used by modern computers and networking equipment.

This process of converting the analog signal to a digital format is essential for internet access, as it allows users to send and receive data effectively over the internet. Hence, the answer emphasizing that demodulation converts analog signals to digital is correct and highlights the fundamental operation of a cable modem in facilitating internet connectivity.

The other roles mentioned, such as amplifying weak signals, encoding video signals, or filtering network traffic, do not directly pertain to the purpose of demodulation within a cable modem’s function. While amplifying signals can improve overall performance and filtering network traffic is necessary for managing connections, these tasks are not the primary focus of demodulation, which is specifically concerned with signal conversion.