Modems Convert Signals, but Not Always Analog to Digital
* Traditional Modems: You're right that traditional modems, like the ones used for dial-up internet, convert analog audio signals from a phone line into digital data that your computer can understand, and vice-versa.
* Modern Modems: However, the modems we use today for broadband internet (like cable, DSL, or fiber) are more complex. They usually handle signals that are already digital, but need to be converted to a different format for your network.
Here's a simplified explanation of how modern modems work:
1. Incoming Signal: The modem receives a digital signal from your internet provider (cable, DSL, or fiber).
2. Demodulation: The modem demodulates (or "decodes") the signal, translating it from the provider's specific format to a format your network can use (usually Ethernet).
3. Data Transfer: The data is then sent to your router and onward to your devices.
4. Modulation: When you send data out, the modem modulates (or "encodes") it into the format your internet provider understands.
The Key Takeaway: While traditional modems convert analog to digital, modern modems primarily work with digital signals and focus on translating between different digital formats.