FC0-U71 Infrastructure Practice Question

Which network device converts the signal from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) into a digital signal that a home network can use?

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

Modem

A modem modulates and demodulates signals from the ISP (e.g., cable, DSL) into digital data for the home network.

Answer analysis

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
Access point
Why it's wrong here
An access point bridges wireless clients onto an existing wired LAN; it performs no WAN signal demodulation. It is tempting because it is the device connecting end devices to the home network, but that role is wireless-to-Ethernet bridging, not converting the ISP's incoming medium.
✗
Switch
Why it's wrong here
A switch forwards Ethernet frames between devices on the same local network; it performs no signal conversion from the ISP's medium. It is tempting because it is the central connectivity device in a home network, but it would be correct when extending wired ports, not terminating the ISP connection.
✗
Router
Why it's wrong here
A router forwards packets between networks but does not demodulate the ISP's incoming signal; it expects an already-digital Ethernet handoff. It is tempting because routers sit at the home network edge and often include a modem, but the modem function, not routing, performs the conversion.
✓
Modem
Why this is correct
The modem demodulates the ISP's carrier signal, whether coaxial, fibre or DSL, into digital Ethernet frames the home network can route. This directly satisfies the stem's conversion requirement, distinguishing it from a router, which forwards traffic but does not perform that signal translation.

Go deeper