Types of Computer Ports - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user and gives the desired output. As we know that we can connect multiple external devices with the computer system. Now, these devices are connected with the computer using Ports. The ports are the physical docking points present in the computer through which the external devices are connected using cables. Or in other words, a port is an interface between the motherboard and an external device of the computer. There are different types of ports available:

• Serial port
• Parallel port
• USB port
• PS/2 port
• VGA port
• Modem port
• FireWire Port
• Sockets
• Infrared Port
• Game Port
• Digital Video Interface(DVI) Port
• Ethernet Port

Now let us discuss these ports one by one:

1. Serial port(COM Port):

A serial port is also called a communication port and they are used for connection of external devices like a modem, mouse, or keyboard (basically in older PCs). Serial cables are cheaper to make in comparison to parallel cables and they are easier to shield from interference. There are two versions of it, which are 9 pin model and 25 pin model. It transmits data at 115 KB/sec.

2. Parallel Port (LPT ports):

Parallel ports are generally used for connecting scanners and printers. It can send several bits at the same time as it uses parallel communication. Its data transfer speed is much higher in comparison with the serial port. It is a 25 pin model. It is also known as Printer Port or Line Printer Port.

3. USB (Universal Serial Bus):

In 1997 USB was first introduced. This can connect all kinds of external USB devices, like external hard disk, printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, etc. There are minimum of two USB Ports provided in most of the computer systems. It is a kind of new type serial connection Port that is much faster than the old serial Ports and These USB Ports are much smarter and more versatile, as it allows the “daisy chaining” of up to 127 USB peripherals connected to one port. The data transfer rate in this is Data12 megabits per second. It also provides plug & plays communication.

4. PS/2 Port:

PS/2 ports are special ports used for connecting old computer keyboard and mouse. It was invented by IBM. In old computers, there are minimum of two PS/2 Ports, each for the keyboard and the mouse. It is a 6 pin mini Din connector.

5. VGA Port:

VGA ports also known as Video Graphic Array connector are those which connect the monitor to a computer’s video card. VGA port has 15 holes and it is similar to the serial port connector. But VGA Ports have holes in it and the serial port connector has pins in it.

6. Sockets:

Microphones and speakers are connected with the help of Sockets to the sound card of the computer.

7. FireWire Port:

The IEEE 1394 interface, which is developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by Apple as FireWire. It can transfer large amount of data at very high speed. It is used to connect camcorders and video equipment to the computer. It comes up with three variants which are 4-Pin FireWire 400 connector, 6-Pin FireWire 400 connector, and 9-Pin FireWire 800 connector.

8. Infrared Port:

An Infrared(IR) port is used to sends and receives infrared signals from other devices. It is a kind of wireless type port with a limited range of 5-10ft.

9. Game Port:

These ports are used previously to connect a joystick to a PC. But nowadays it is replaced by USB ports.

10. Modem Port:

As the name suggests, a Modem port is used to connects a PC’s modem to the telephone network.

11. Digital Video Interface(DVI) Port:

DVI Port is used to connects LCD(flat panel) monitor to the computer’s high-end video graphic cards and it is very popular among video card manufacturers.

12. Ethernet Port:

Ethernet Port helps to connect to a network and high-speed Internet(provided by LAN or other sources). It connects the network cable to a computer and resides in a Ethernet card. It provides a data travel speed of 10 Mb to 1000 Mb(megabits) per second.

Sample Questions

Question 1. What is the full form of USB?

(A) Universal Serial Bus

(B) Unedited System Bracket

(C) Unified Sound Bar

(D) Unique Sequencing Bus

Solution:

The correct option is A, i.e., Universal Serial bus.

Question 2. Ethernet Cables are used for ________?

(A) audio

(B) networking

(C) internet

(D) Both b and c

Solution:

The correct option is both B and C

Because ethernet port helps to connect to a network and high speed Internet(provided by LAN or other source).

Question 3. Microphone and speakers are connected with the help of________?

(A) Ethernet cable

(B) Serial ports

(C) Sockets

(D) None of the above

Solution:

The correct option is C, i.e., Sockets

Microphone and speakers are connected with the help of Sockets to the sound card of the computer.

Question 4. FireWire Port is developed in late 1980s and early 1990s by _______?

(A) Microsoft corporation Ltd.

(B) Apple

(C) Google

(D) Both Microsoft and Apple in collaboration

Solution:

The correct option is B, i.e., Apple

The IEEE 1394 interface, which is developed in late 1980s and early 1990s by Apple as FireWire. It can transfer large amount of data at very high speed. It is used to connect camcorders and video equipment to the computer.

Question 5. In old computers, there are minimum how many PS/2 Ports are available?

(A) 2

(B) 5

(C) 1

(D) No PS/2 ports are present.

Solution:

The correct option is A, i.e., 2

PS/2 ports are special ports used for connecting old computer keyboard and mouse. In old computers there are minimum two PS/2 Ports, each for the keyboard and the mouse.

Question 6. Which are the Two versions of Serial ports?

(A) 15 pin model and 25 pin model

(B) 9 pin model and 15 pin model

(C) 10 pin model and 20 pin model

(D) 9 pin model and 25 pin model

Solution:

The correct option is D, i.e., 9 pin model and 25 pin model.

There are two versions of Serial ports, which are 9 pin model and 25 pin model. It transmits data at 115 KB/sec.