Identify common input and output ports

Serial ports
Serial port
  • A serial port is a physical communication interface through which information transfers in or out by one bit at a time.

  • While interfaces such as USB, FireWire, and Ethernet all send data as a serial stream, the term "serial port" usually identifies hardware compliant with the RS-232 standard, a standard originally intended to interface with a modem or with a similar communication device.

  • The serial port has largely been replaced by USB and Firewire (e.g. connecting mice or printers).

  • For networking, it has been replaced by Ethernet.

  • For console use with terminals (and then graphics) it was replaced long ago by VGA.

  • While nearly every server has a serial port connector, most workstations and laptops do not have one as it is a legacy port, and replaced by USB and FireWire for most uses.

  • Serial ports are commonly still used in legacy applications such as industrial automation systems, scientific analysis, shop till systems and some industrial and consumer products. Network equipment (such as routers and switches) often use serial console for configuration.