Computer Fundamentals - Computer Ports

What are Computer Ports?

The computer ports are physical docking points of a computer that facilitate users to connect
required external devices to the computer or computer network. A connection point that acts as
an interface between the computer and external devices like a mouse, printer, modem, etc. is
called a port. Ports are of two types −

Internal port − It connects the motherboard to internal devices like hard disk drives, CD
drives, internal modems, etc.

External port − It connects the motherboard to external devices like modem, mouse,
printer, flash drives, etc.

Expansion of a computer network or interconnection between multiple peripheral devices was

possible through computer ports where network connections start and end. Generally, Ports are
computer hardware which are software-based means they are operated by a software program
like an operating system.

The below image gives an idea about what ports are look like −
 Fig: Some most commonly used computer/ networking ports

Generally, ports are docking points through which information flows from a program to the
computer or over the Internet.

Working Principles of Computer Ports

Computer ports are tangible or virtual connectors on a computer or device that provide
connectivity to external devices, peripherals, or networks. They enable the exchange of
information between the computer and external devices.

The functions or working principles of some common computer ports are as follows −
 Fig: Functions of computer ports

Thunderbolt − These allow peripherals such as external storage, monitors and docking stations
to be connected at high speed. Thunderbolt ports, which were created by Intel and Apple, allow
for fast data transfer as well as the carrying of power and video. USB-C connectors are frequently
used with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Thunderbolt

Physical Data Transfer Communication Device Power Supply

Connection i. Once the Protocols Recognition i. Ports provide
i. Ports are device i. Port uses specific i. The device is power to
physical connected to communication recognised by connected
sockets a port, data protocols to transfer the computer devices.
ii. Fixes on can be data and drivers and For example
computer or transferred ii. For example, USB, automatically Smartphones,
devices to between the which offers different install drivers or tablets, and USB
plug cables or computer and data transfer speeds configure accessories can
connectors the device. and capabilities, uses settings to be powered
from external ii. Allows protocols such as support it using USB ports
devices transferring USB 3.0, USB 3.0C, For example, without an
iii. Cables have files to and and USB 2.0C, each when we adapter.
connectors at from external of which offers connect a USB
both ends, one storage different data transfer mouse, the
to fit into the devices speeds and system detects
port on the iii. Sending capabilities. it automaticall
computer and and receiving and enables
the other to fit data over a pointer control.
 into the network
external connection
device. iv. Streaming
audio and
video to
external
devices.

Overall, Computer ports allow the computer to communicate and transfer data with external
devices and peripherals.

Characteristics of Ports
A port has the following characteristics −

External devices are connected to a computer using cables and ports.

Ports are slots on the motherboard into which a cable of the external device is plugged
in.
Examples of external devices attached via ports are the mouse, keyboard, monitor,
microphone, speakers, etc.

Let us now discuss a few important types of ports −

Serial Port
In the past, it was used to connect different devices which includes modems, mice, and printers;
however, due to the prominence of USB, it has become completely obsolete in modern
computers. Serial ports transmit data sequentially means one bit at a time. To do the same, these
ports require one cable to transmit 8 bits. However, this makes slower communication. Serial
ports are usually having 9-pin or 25-pin male connectors. They are also known as COM
(communication) ports or RS323C ports.

Overall, serial ports act as a port which is −

Used for external modems and older computer mice

Two versions: 9-pin, 25 pin model

Data travels at 115 kilobits per second

Parallel Ports

Another older port that is primarily used for connecting printers and other devices that are used
for external storage; like serial ports, parallel ports are rarely found on modern computers.
Parallel ports can send or receive 8 bits or 1 byte at a time. Parallel ports come in the form of 25-
pin female pins and are used to connect printers, scanners, external hard disk drives, etc.

Used for scanners and printers

 Also called a printer port

25 pin model
IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port

PS/2 Port

PS/2 stands for Personal System/2. It is a female 6-pin port standard that connects to the male
mini-DIN cable. PS/2 was introduced by IBM to connect Input/output peripherals to personal
computers. Used to create a connection between keyboards and mice on computers that is of an
earlier generation. PS/2 ports have a circular shape, and they are coloured purple for keyboards
and green for mice.

This port is now mostly obsolete, though some systems compatible with IBM may have this port.

Used for old computer keyboard and mouse

Also called the mouse port
Most of the old computers provide two PS/2 ports, each for the mouse and keyboard

IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port

Universal Serial Bus (or USB) Port

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is the industry standard for short-distance digital data
connection. It is one of the most popular ports for connecting accessories, including external
hard drives, printers, mice, keyboards, and more. There are different types and sizes of USB ports,
such as micro-USB, USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C.USB port is a standardized port to connect a variety
of devices like printers, cameras, keyboards, speakers, etc.
Overall, a USB port acts as a port which is −

It can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as external hard disks, printers,
scanners, mice, keyboards, etc.

It was introduced in 1997.

Most of the computers provide two USB ports as a minimum.

Data travels at 12 megabits per second.

USB-compliant devices can get power from a USB port.

VGA (Video Graphics Array) Port

Before the development of DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort, VGA was in use; it's an analogue interface
between a computer and the monitor. It's a display standard developed by IBM in 1987; VGA
replaced the existing digital CGA and EGA interfaces with a smaller resolution and fewer colours.
A standard VGA works on 16-color displays with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a resolution of 640 ×
480. There are 256 colours shown if the resolution is lowered to 320 x 200. Nowadays, it's not in
use, older PCs and displays have this video port. Digital connections like HDMI and DisplayPort
are replacing it.
Overall, a VGA port acts as a port that −

Connects monitor to a computer's video card.

It has 15 holes.

Similar to the serial port connector. However, the serial port connector has pins, VGA port
has holes.

Power Connector

For the sole purpose of supplying power to a device, power connectors are devices that allow an
electrical current to pass through them.

It is possible for a computer or other electronic device to charge its battery and get power from a
wall outlet through its power port. Since desktop computers don't have batteries, they can't be
turned on without a power cord plugged into the power port. The battery in a device like a laptop
can work even if nothing is plugged into the power port as long as the battery is charged.

Overall, a power connectors port acts as a port which is a

 Three-pronged plug.

Connects to the computer's power cable that plugs into a power bar or wall socket.

Firewire Port

An interface with a high data transfer rate is generally utilized for connecting digital camcorders,
external hard drives, and other multimedia equipment. USB and Thunderbolt have mostly
superseded it. Hence, a FireWire is a high-speed computer data transfer interface that is used to
connect personal computers, audio and video devices, as well as other professional and
consumer electronic products.

Overall, a FireWire port acts as a port which is a

Transfers large amounts of data at a very fast speed.

Connects camcorders and video equipment to the computer.

Data travels at 400 to 800 megabits per second.

Invented by Apple.
It has three variants: 4-Pin FireWire 400 connector, 6-Pin FireWire 400 connector, and 9-
Pin FireWire 800 connector.

Ethernet Port

An Ethernet port also known as a jack or socket is a port used to access the internet on
commuter. Enables wired network connections, which are normally used for connecting
computers to routers, switches and modems that allow Internet access. It's like computer
network equipment that Ethernet cables plug into. The main goal of this port is to connect wired
network hardware in an Ethernet LAN, MAN, or wide WAN.
 Connects to a network and high-speed Internet.

Connects the network cable to a computer.

This port resides on an Ethernet Card.

Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000 megabits per second depending upon the network
bandwidth.

SD Card Slot

SD card slots are frequent functionality ports generally seen on desktop computers and laptops.

These slots enable users to insert SD memory cards, which are typically utilized in digital
cameras and other portable devices.