What is a modem primarily used for?

A modem is primarily designed to connect computers and other devices to the internet by translating digital data from a computer into analog signals that can be sent over telephone lines, and vice versa. This process enables traditional methods of data communication over phone lines, which were the foundation of early internet access.

By serving this function, a modem allows users to go online by establishing a connection through existing telephone infrastructure, making it essential for dial-up internet services and some types of broadband connections. The role of a modem is crucial in bridging the gap between the digital data processed by computers and the analog signals used in telecommunications.

The other options revolve around different functionalities that do not align with the primary purpose of a modem. For instance, while wireless networks indeed transmit data, this is not something a modem does directly; it is associated more with routers and access points. Likewise, encryption of data is typically the role of security software or hardware, while data storage and retrieval are functions of hard drives or cloud storage systems, not modems.

Understanding the core function of a modem helps clarify how it fits into the broader context of internet connectivity and data transmission technology.