Computer Ports and Connections

Ethernet

Ethernet is the name used for a set of connections which allow computers to connect to LANs (Local Area Networks) using a range of cables and an industry standard defined port. Originally when developed, Ethernet had to compete with other LAN technologies such as ARCNET and Token Ring, however these have largely been replaced now by the faster and more widely available Ethernet connection.

Original Ethernet cables used coaxial cables, whereas modern computers prefer to use twisted pair cables or fiber optic cables, all of which are compatible with this type of communicative port. Data can be transferred at up to 100 GB per second, by dividing up streams of data into smaller chunks called ‘frames’ or ‘packets’. Each of these frames is error checked and sent to its destination address individually, to provide accurate and high-speed transmission. When used alongside routers and switches with additional networking features, data sent over an Ethernet connection is typically very secure and speedily communicated.

Internal SATA and IDE

‘SATA’ stands for Serial AT Attachment, and is a type of internal connection which allows bus adapters to connect to storage devices such as optical disk drives and hard disk drives. This type of connection replaced the older PATA standard (Parallel AT Attachment), providing more cost-effective transmission, faster data transfer, reduced cable size and more efficient overall running. The first version of the original ATA interface was developed under the name Integrated Drive Electronics, or IDE.

This type of internal connection was first developed in the early 1980’s and was standardized in 1994 before being improved and built upon with further developments and improvements over the following decades.  The IDE connection was the first to eliminate the need for a single controller which could manage many types of different data, since block of data could be processed with a simple command interface connected directly to the motherboard.