Serial port facts for kids
In computing, a serial port is a serial communication physical interface through which information transfers, either in or out, one bit at a time (in contrast with parallel port).
During most of the personal computers history, serial ports connected computers to devices such as terminals and various peripherals.
While such interfaces as Ethernet, FireWire, and USB all send data as a serial stream, the term "serial port" usually identifies hardware meeting the requirements of the RS-232 standard, for the purpose of interfacing with a modem or with a similar communication device.
For many computer peripheral devices the USB interface has replaced the serial port. While nearly every server has a serial port, many modern low-end workstations and laptops often don't have one. The serial port is not present for cost savings, and is considered to be a legacy port on personal computers.
However, serial ports can be found in industrial systems, scientific analysis and laboratory equipments, point of sales and some industrial and consumer products. Network equipments (such as routers and switches) often have serial ports for configuration. Serial ports are still used in these areas as they are simple, cheap and allow communications between devices.
Images for kids
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A male D-subminiature connector used for a serial port on an IBM PC compatible computer along with the serial port symbol
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A Cisco rollover cable using the 8P8C Yost standard
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Pair of female Mini DIN-8 connectors used for RS-422 serial ports on a Macintosh LC computer
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See also
In Spanish: Puerto serie para niños
