In computer hardware, a
port serves as an interface between the computer and other computers or devices. Physically, a port is a specialized
outlet on a piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects. Electronically, the several conductors making up the outlet provide a signal transfer between devices. Hardware ports may be physically male (unusual, since protruding pins easily break, a fate best left to inexpensive matching cable ends) or female
(usual on equipment). Computer ports in common use cover a wide variety of shapes such as
round (PS/2, etc.),
rectangular (FireWire, etc.),
square (telephone modem),
trapezoidal (D-Sub—the old printer port was a DB-25), etc. There is some standardization to physical properties and function. For instance, most computers have a keyboard port (currently a round DIN-like outlet referred to as PS/2)
, into which the
keyboard is connected.
(usual on equipment). Computer ports in common use cover a wide variety of shapes such as round (PS/2, etc.), rectangular (FireWire, etc.), square (telephone modem), trapezoidal (D-Sub—the old printer port was a DB-25), etc. There is some standardization to physical properties and function. For instance, most computers have a keyboard port (currently a round DIN-like outlet referred to as PS/2)
, into which the 
keyboard is connected.