Infrared Port

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, 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
• Game Port
• Modem Port etc.

Let us study the infrared port in detail.

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. Moreover, it is possible in mobiles, computers and other digital devices too.

Browse more Topics under Input Output Ports/ Connections

• Serial
• Parallel and Universal Serial Bus
• PS-2 Port
• Bluetooth Port
• Firewire

Difference Between Infrared and Bluetooth Port

The differences between infrared and Bluetooth port are as follows:

Infrared Port	Bluetooth Port
It uses the infrared days for the transmission of data.	It uses radio waves for the transmission of data.
The range for infrared transmission is quite less around 1-5m only.	Whereas Bluetooth allows data transmission of a range up to 10-15m.
The transmission speed is in a range of around 15-16 Mbps.	It has a very low speed of transmission between 1-3 Mbps only.
The communicating devices must be in a direct line of contact for the transmission to occur.	Whereas, there is no such restriction in Bluetooth and devices can be positioned anywhere with respect to each other.
Generally, we use it in remote controls, wireless, keyboards, and mice.	Generally, we use it in wireless headsets, wireless speakers, etc.

Other Important Ports

Some other important ports like serial port, parallel port, USB port are as follows:

Serial Port

A serial port carries out a serial communication interface and can transfer only one bit at a time. Moreover, it generally denotes RA-232 or other related standards like RS-422, RS-485, etc. Besides, these ports are usually present on the back of the computer and are part of the motherboard. Furthermore, we can identify this port from a D shape with usually 9 pins. It is one of the oldest types of interfaces.

Parallel Port

In contrast to the serial port, parallel ports perform a parallel communication interface. Moreover, it can transfer multiple bits at a time. Besides they also connect devices like printers and scanners. We can also call them printer port. Furthermore, they contain 25 pins, and the speed of data travel is 150-kilo bits per second.

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.

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 are the different types of ports?

A2. The ports are of different types as follows:

• Serial Port
• Parallel Port
• PS/2 Port
• USB Port
• VGA Port
• Game Port
• Modem Port etc.

Q3. What is an infrared port?

A3. It enables wireless connection of data through infrared rays. Moreover, it works within a range of 10m. Basically, it acts as a transmitter/receiver for infrared data exchange.