Ports in Computer
Ports in Computer
Ports:-
In computer systems, ports are interfaces or points of interaction between the computer and other
devices or networks.
Ports are essential for communication and data exchange, whether within the internal components of
a computer or between external devices and the computer. This assignment explores the concept of
ports in computers, their different types, and their significance in various contexts.
1. Physical Ports
Physical ports refers to tangible connection interfaces found on computer hardware. These ports are
used for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mouse, printers, and external drives.
Serial ports:a serial port is basically a serial communication interface through which information
tramsforms 1 bit at a time.it is one of the oldest type of interfaces.
These are basically used for external modems
a. USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports: USB ports are the most commonly used physical ports.
They allow the connection of a wide range of devices, including external storage devices,
webcams, and more. USB has various versions such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C. USB C
being the most advanced and versatile.
b. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Ports: HDMI ports are used for transmitting
high-definition audio and video signals. They are commonly found on computers,
televisions, and projectors.
c. Ethernet Ports: Ethernet ports facilitate wired network connections. They are used for
connecting a computer to a network router or modem for internet access.
d. Audio Ports: Audio ports, such as headphone jacks and microphone inputs, allow the
connection of audio devices to the computer.
e. VGA and DisplayPort: These ports are used for connecting monitors to the computer. VGA
is an older standard, while DisplayPort is a newer and more advanced technology.
2. Network(logical) port:-
A network port is a logical communication endpoint used by computers and network devices to
distinguish different types of traffic and services. Each port is associated with an IP address and a
specific protocol, enabling devices and software to exchange data efficiently.
Concepts:
a. Definition of Network Ports: A network port is a virtual doorway through which data
enters or leaves a device in a network.
b. Port Numbers:
i. Range: 0 to 65535.
ii. Categories:
1. Well-known ports (0–1023): Reserved for standard services (e.g.,
HTTP: port 80, HTTPS: port 443).
2. Registered ports (1024–49151): Assigned to specific applications.
3. Dynamic/private ports (49152–65535): Used temporarily for client-side
connections.
c. Purpose of Ports: Ports help differentiate traffic meant for different services or
applications running on the same device. For instance:
i. Port 80 handles web traffic (HTTP).
ii. Port 22 is used for secure shell connections (SSH).
d. How Ports Work:
i. Devices send data to a specific IP address and port number.
ii. Servers listen on these ports for incoming requests.
iii. Communication is facilitated by protocols like TCP or UDP.
e. Types of Protocols:
i. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol):
1. Reliable and connection-oriented.
2. Used in applications requiring data integrity, such as web browsing or
email.
ii. UDP (User Datagram Protocol):
1. Lightweight and connectionless.
2. Used for real-time applications, such as gaming or video streaming.
f. Commonly Used Ports:
Service/Protocol Port Number Protocol
HTTP 80 TCP
HTTPS 443 TCP
FTP 21 TCP
DNS 53 UDP/TCP
SSH 22 TCP
SMTP 25 TCP
g. Port Security:
i. Open ports can be a security risk if not properly managed.
ii. Firewalls and intrusion detection systems can restrict access.
iii. Unused ports should be closed to reduce vulnerabilities.
Practical Example:
when a user access a website;
The browser sends a request to the servers IP address on port 80(HTTP) or 443(HTTPS).
The server listens on the requested port and responds with the webpage data.
The browser displays the received information to the user.