Function of different types of pc ports

Name: Ahmed Ayman

ID: 185745
Report No.1

Course code : MSE365

Report No.1 MSE365

Table of Contents

1. Introduction --------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

2. Parallel port --------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

2.1. Overview --------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

2.2. Function of parallel port --------------------------------------------------------------3

3. Serial port ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

3.1. Overview --------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

3.2 Function of serial ports ----------------------------------------------------------------4

Ethernet port ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

4.1. Overview --------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

4.2. Function of Ethernet ports ------------------------------------------------------------5

References ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Table of figures

Fig 1 types of ports -------------------------------------------------------------------------2

Fig 2.2.1 parallel ports ---------------------------------------------------------------------3

Fig 3.2.1 serial ports -----------------------------------------------------------------------4

Fig 4.2.1 Ethernet ports --------------------------------------------------------------------5

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1. Introduction

In computer networking, a port is a communication endpoint. A port is a software term that

represents a certain function or type of network service within an operating system. A port
number is an unsigned 16-bit number that defines a port for each transport protocol and address
combination.

Fig 1 types of ports

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2. Parallel port

2.1. Overview

A parallel port is a kind of interface that allows computers to communicate with peripherals
(both personal and business). The term refers to the method of data transmission: parallel ports
send several bits at once (parallel communication), while serial ports send bits one at a time
(serial communication). A parallel port on a personal computer (PC) is a form of interface that
enables data to be transmitted or retrieved from a peripheral device such as a printer. The data is
transmitted through a parallel cable no more than 6 feet long. If the cable is too long, the data's
safety will be jeopardized. Hewlett-Packard suggests a ten-foot median diameter.

2.2. Function of parallel port

A device port's primary purpose is to provide a point of connection where a peripheral's cable
can be plugged in and data can flow from and to the customer. A computer port is also known as
a networking port because it facilitates communication between the computer and its peripheral
devices.

Fig 2.2.1. Parallel port

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3. Serial port

3.1. Overview

In computation, a serial port is a serial communication interface that allows the data to be sent in
or out one bit at a time. A parallel port, on the other hand, transfers and receives several bits at
the same time. A serial port is a computer interface that allows for only one piece of data to be
transmitted or received at a time. It is even one of the oldest types of interfaces and it was also
once very widely used to link printers and external modems to a computer. Modern serial ports
are now used in the chemical machines, retail till systems such as cash registers, and heavy
machinery systems.

3.2. Function of serial ports

A device port's primary purpose is to provide a point of connection where a peripheral's cable
can be plugged in and data can flow from and to the customer. A computer port is also known as
a networking port because it facilitates communication between the computer and its peripheral
devices.

Fig 3.2.1. Serial ports

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4. Ethernet port

4.1. Overview

Ethernet refers to a group of wired data networking systems that are widely found in LANs,
MANs, and WANs (WAN). An Ethernet port (also known as a jack or socket) is a plug in
computer network equipment that accepts Ethernet cables. Their primary role in an Ethernet
local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), or wide area network (WAN) is to
link wired network hardware (WAN).

4.2. Function of Ethernet ports

Ethernet cables are often used to link users to a local network and to the internet. They're
connected to Ethernet ports on various computers. An Ethernet cable is the most popular way to
connect a Wi-Fi router or modem to an internet entry port or a phone line.

Fig 4.2.1 Ethernet ports

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5. References

Ethernet, (2021), Wikipedia, retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet

Serial Port, (2021), techopedia, retrieved from:

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3665/serial-port

Parallel Port, (2021), techopedia, retrieved from:

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3658/parallel-port

Serial port, (2021), Wikipedia, retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_port

Parallel port, (2021), Wikipedia, retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_port

Port (computer networking), (2021), Wikipedia, retrieved from:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_(computer_networking)

Ravi Teja, (2021), [electronicshub photography] , retrieved from :

https://www.electronicshub.org/types-of-computer-ports/

[Untitled illustration of Printer with USB and parallel connections], retrieved from:
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000677.htm

[Untitled illustration cable of a serial port], retrieved from:

https://www.123rf.com/photo_501438_cable-of-a-serial-port.html

Jeff Atkins, (2020), [infinity-cable-products photography], retrieved from https://infinity-cable-

products.com/blogs/hardware/what-is-an-ethernet-port