Types of Computer Ports
Types of Computer Ports
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.
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
Data Transfer
i. Once the
Physical device
Connection connected to a
Device
i. Ports are port, data can
Communication Recognition
physical be transferred
Protocols i. The device is
sockets between the Power Supply
i. Port uses specific recognised by the
ii. Fixes on computer and i. Ports provide
communication computer and
computer or the device. power to
protocols to transfer drivers and
devices to plug ii. Allows connected
data automatically
cables or transferring devices.
ii. For example, USB, install drivers or
connectors files to and For example
which offers different configure
from external from external Smartphones,
data transfer speeds settings to
devices storage tablets, and USB
and capabilities, uses support it
iii. Cables have devices accessories can
protocols such as USB For example,
connectors at iii. Sending be powered using
3.0, USB 3.0C, and USB when we connect
both ends, one and receiving USB ports
2.0C, each of which a USB mouse, the
to fit into the data over a without an
offers different data system detects it
port on the network adapter.
transfer speeds and automaticall and
computer and connection
capabilities. enables pointer
the other to fit iv. Streaming
control.
into the audio and
external device. video to
external
devices.
Overall, Computer ports allow the computer to communicate and transfer data with external devices
and peripherals.
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Characteristics of Ports
A port has the following characteristics −
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.
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
Most of the old computers provide two PS/2 ports, each for the mouse and keyboard
It can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as external hard disks, printers, scanners,
mice, keyboards, etc.
It was introduced in 1997.
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.
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.
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.