Which device is used primarily to connect a computer to the internet via coaxial cables?

The device used primarily to connect a computer to the internet via coaxial cables is the cable modem. A cable modem modulates and demodulates signals over coaxial cables, typically provided by cable television infrastructure, enabling broadband internet access.

When a cable modem is connected to a network, it communicates with the Internet Service Provider (ISP) through wiring that is often used for cable television. This connection allows for high-speed internet access as it can carry a large amount of data, making it suitable for activities such as streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.

Other devices like an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) are designed for fiber optic connections, and routers primarily serve to distribute internet connections to multiple devices within a local network but do not connect directly to the internet via coaxial cables themselves. A DSL modem connects through telephone lines rather than coaxial cables, which further distinguishes it from a cable modem's function and connection type.