What does a modem do in relation to digital sounds?

A modem plays a crucial role in the communication between digital devices and analog transmission mediums by converting digital signals to analog signals and vice versa. This functionality is essential for transmitting data over telephone lines or other communication infrastructures that are traditionally designed to handle analog data.

When a digital device, such as a computer, needs to send data over an analog communication pathway (for instance, making a phone call), the modem converts the digital signals into analog signals that can travel through the phone lines. Conversely, when receiving data, it converts incoming analog signals back into digital signals that the digital device can understand and process.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the modem's dual functionality: it is responsible for both the conversion of digital sounds to analog signals for transmission and the conversion of incoming analog signals back into digital sounds for the receiving devices. This capability is fundamental in enabling seamless communication in various environments where different signal types are used.