Computer Ports and Connector

The purpose of computer ports is to serve as entry points for data into and out of a computer. They allow the exchange of data between devices, peripherals, and networks.

Computer ports are physical or virtual interfaces that allow communication between a computer and external devices or networks.

Types: Ports can be categorized into two types:

    • Physical Ports: Physical connectors on a computer or device.
    • Virtual Ports: Software-based and used for networking purposes.

How ports are identified:

Ports are typically identified by a numerical value called a port number. Port numbers help applications or services route data to the correct destination.

Ports associated with Protocols:

Ports are associated with specific transport protocols, such as:

  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): TCP is connection-oriented
  • UDP (User Datagram Protocol):  UDP is connectionless.

Some well Known Ports:

  1. USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port:

    • USB ports are universal and connect a wide range of peripherals like keyboards, mice, external devices, etc.
    • Versions USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB-C.

  2. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface):

    • HDMI ports are used for transmitting high-definition audio and video signals, typically between computers and displays like monitors and TVs.

  3. VGA (Video Graphics Array) Port:

    • VGA ports are video connectors found on older computers, projectors, and some monitors.

  4. Ethernet Port:

    • Also known as RJ-45, these ports are used for wired network connections, providing a stable, high-speed internet connection.

  5. Audio Ports:

    • These include headphone jacks (3.5mm), microphone jacks, and line-in/out ports for audio input and output.

  6. DisplayPort:

    • DisplayPort is used for high-resolution video and audio connections, especially in modern monitors and graphics cards.

  7. Thunderbolt:

    • Offer high-speed data transfer and can also support video and power delivery. They are commonly found on Apple devices.

  8. Serial Port:

    • Serial ports are used for serial communication with devices like modems.

  9. Parallel Port:

    • Parallel ports were used for connecting printers and other peripherals in the past, but they are now largely obsolete.

  10. FireWire (IEEE 1394):

    • FireWire ports were used for high-speed data transfer, particularly with external hard drives.

  11. PS/2 Port:

    • PS/2 ports are used for connecting keyboards and mice to computers.

  12. SD Card Slot:

    • SD card slots are generally found on laptops and desktop computers for reading and writing SD memory cards.

  13. eSATA (External SATA):

    • eSATA ports connect external hard drives and other storage devices, offering high-speed data transfer.

  14. Mini DisplayPort and Mini HDMI:

    • Smaller versions of  HDMI connectors are used on some laptops and tablets.

  15. M.2 Slot:

    • M.2 slots connect SSDs and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cards directly to motherboards.

  16. USB-C:

    • Modern devices use USB-C, a versatile port that can handle data, video, audio, and power delivery.