Serial computer port

Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. Download Microsoft Edge More info. Contents Exit focus mode. Even a minor serial port problem can become a major issue.

And without the skills and know-how to identify and resolve a serial port problem, a business could suffer due to ineffective serial connections. The most common cause of serial port communication problems is incorrect communication parameter settings. To operate correctly it is essential that both devices are set up with the same communication parameters, which includes baud rate, parity, number of data bits, and number of stop bits.

Is a serial cable connected between a PC and a serial port? If a user leverages the wrong cable, he or she will be unable to establish a connection. A serial port serves as a physical connector on the back of a computer that allows for the input and output of data, and there are two different types of serial port connectors: 9-pin and pin. Null modem cables typically have a female connector on each end and straight through cables have a female connector at one end and a male at the other.

Where is the serial port on a computer? Identifying a serial port What is the serial port used for? Serial port pin information Related information. Note With the introduction of USB , FireWire , and other faster solutions serial ports are rarely used compared to how often they've been used in the past. Note With many computers, the serial port is labeled as " " which are ones and zeros to represent binary.

Note Most of today's computers are eliminating the serial port in favor of USB ports. Related information How to troubleshoot a new serial device. Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close.

Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Computer Hardware. How Serial Ports Work. By: Jeff Tyson. UART Needed " ". The Serial Connection " ". Carrier Detect - Determines if the modem is connected to a working phone line. Receive Data - Computer receives information sent from the modem. Transmit Data - Computer sends information to the modem.

Data Terminal Ready - Computer tells the modem that it is ready to talk. Signal Ground - Pin is grounded. Data Set Ready - Modem tells the computer that it is ready to talk.