Ports
A port is basically an interface between the computer and the output devices like printer, speakers, mouse, etc. Besides, it can be of many types like PS/2 port, serial port, parallel port, USB Port, infrared port, FireWire port, etc. Moreover, we know that the processing speed of the CPU and memory is much faster than the input/output devices. Hence, it is important to take care that the data lines do not engage for a long time else it can affect the overall performance. Therefore, we connect these devices through the ports.
Characteristics of computer ports
- We use the ports to connect external devices like printers, USB, speakers, etc.
- Ports in other words are slots on the motherboard to which we connect the external devices.
Types of Ports
The ports are of different types as follows:
- Serial Port
- Parallel Port
- PS/2 Port
- USB Port
- Infrared Port
- VGA Port
- FireWire Port
- Game Port
- Modem Port etc.
Let us study the FireWire port in detail.
FireWire Port
Apple originally developed firewire and it is inbuilt in the mac computers. Furthermore, it allows the connection of devices for high-speed communication using a serial bus. Moreover, we can also call it IEEE 1394. Generally, audio and video devices like camcorders use it. Besides, it can also connect two devices for sharing files. It can so connect external hard drives as well.
Characteristics of FireWire Port
The characteristics are as follows:
- It has a bandwidth of 400-800 Mbps and above.
- Moreover, it can handle up to 63 units on the same bus.
- It supports plug and play (PnP) devices.
- It can transfer a large amount of data at a very high speed.
- Connects camcorder and other video equipment to the computer.
Versions of FireWire
FireWire 400 (IEEE-1394)
It was the first version developed by Apple in 1995. Furthermore, it had a data transfer speed between 100-400 Mbps.
IEEE-1394a
It was released in 2000 with additional features to FireWire 400. These improvements were:
- packet concatenation
- suspend mode for reduced power consumption
- asynchronous streaming
FireWire 800 (IEEE-1394b)
This version improved the data rate by using ‘beta mode’ or an optical cable. Furthermore, its data transfer speed was 3200 Mbps.
FireWire S800T (IEEE-1394c)
The data speed was further increased to 800 Mbps in this version of June 2007.
FireWire S1600 and S3200
This version has an even higher transmission speed of 1.57 Gbps to 3.14 Gbps. Furthermore, it is compatible with FireWire S400 and S800 devices.
Other Important Ports
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port
The USB port is the standard interface for connecting the computer to external devices like printer, camera, keyboard, speaker, etc. Besides, we can say that it is an industry-standard for short-distance digital data communication.
Infrared Port
It enables wireless connection of data through infrared rays. Moreover, it works within a range of 10m. Furthermore, any two devices having an infrared port face each other so that they can share data through infrared rays. Basically, it acts as a transmitter/receiver for infrared data exchange.
Bluetooth Port
It is basically a telecommunication port that allows wireless connection and exchange of data over a short-range wireless connection. Moreover, it is possible in mobiles, computers and other digital devices too. Besides, it uses short-range radio waves for sharing the data. The range for Bluetooth connection is around 10m. Furthermore, it is commonly used in PC s, mobiles, wireless, keyboards, and mice. Besides, nowadays, headsets and wireless speakers are using Bluetooth effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are ports?
A1. A port is basically an interface between the computer and the output devices like printer, speakers, mouse, etc. Besides, it can be of many types like serial port, parallel port, USB Port, etc.
Q2. What is a FireWire port?
A2. It allows the connection of devices for high-speed communication using a serial bus. Generally, audio and video devices like camcorders use it. It can so connect external hard drives as well.
Q3. Who developed the firewire port?
A3. Apple originally developed firewire and it is inbuilt in the mac computers.
Q4. What is the other name for firewire port?
A4. We can also call it IEEE 1394.
Q5. What are the characteristics of a firewire port?
A5. The characteristics are as follows:
- It has a bandwidth of 400-800 Mbps and above.
- Moreover, it can handle up to 63 units on the same bus.
- It can transfer a large amount of data at a very high speed.
- Connects camcorder and other video equipment to the computer.
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