What does "modulation" primarily involve in signal processing?

Modulation primarily involves changing the signal form, which is essential for effectively transmitting information over various communication channels. In this context, modulation refers to the technique of varying one or more properties of a carrier wave, such as its amplitude, frequency, or phase, based on the information signal that needs to be sent. This alteration of the signal form allows data to be encoded onto the carrier signal, making it suitable for transmission over different media.

By changing the characteristics of the carrier wave, modulation helps in achieving various objectives, such as reducing interference, allowing multiple signals to coexist on the same channel, and matching the signal to the physical characteristics of the transmission medium. This versatility is crucial in communication systems, where different types of modulation techniques can optimize the transmission process under varying conditions.

In contrast, while increasing signal power or amplifying the carrier frequency may enhance the signal's strength, they do not directly relate to the conceptual definition of modulation. Removing noise from the signal is a separate process involved in signal processing, also not defining modulation itself. Therefore, the essence of modulation lies in the transformation of the signal form to facilitate effective communication.