Which device translates coaxial cable signals into radio frequency waves?

The device that translates coaxial cable signals into radio frequency waves is a cable modem. Cable modems connect to a coaxial cable network, which is commonly used for cable television and broadband internet service. When data is sent over a coaxial cable, it is transmitted as radio frequency signals. The cable modem acts as a bridge between these radio frequency signals and the digital data that computing devices like computers and routers use.

By converting the signals, the cable modem enables devices to access the internet by facilitating the communication between the internet service provider (ISP) and the user's network. This translation is crucial because it allows digital data to be transmitted over existing infrastructure designed for analog signals, assisting in delivering high-speed data services to homes and businesses.

In contrast, other devices listed, such as a DSL modem, switches, and routers, serve different purposes related to networking but do not perform the specific function of translating coaxial cable signals to radio frequency waves. A DSL modem is used with digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over telephone lines, switches primarily manage local area network (LAN) traffic by connecting devices within the same network, and routers direct data packets between networks and facilitate internet connectivity but do not handle coaxial signals directly.