Ever heard the term "digital world?" Outside of your home, the telephone network has evolved from an analog DC-voltage system into a digital-communications system. There are no longer wires dedicated to only telephone service. Well, maybe in some places.
However, our telephones are still connected to twisted-pair cables in our homes. Meaning, our twisted-pair cables and pulse- or tone-dialing telephones cannot speak digital. That's why Cox issued you a Cisco DPQ3212: to translate our analog voice into digital signals...and vice versa.
That Cisco DBQ3212 was a free issue, so don't lose it or toss it. When you cancel service, Cox will either want it back or charge you $$$ for it.