In computing, a parallel port was a type of interface found on computers (personal and otherwise) for connecting peripherals. The name refers to the way the data is sent; parallel ports send multiple bits of data at once (parallel communication), as opposed to serial communication, in which bits are sent one at a time.
What goes in a parallel port?
A parallel port is an interface allowing a personal computer (PC) to transmit or receive data down multiple bundled cables to a peripheral device such as a printer. The most common parallel port is a printer port known as the Centronics port.
How do parallel ports work?
When a PC wants to send data to a printer, it sends it either through a parallel port, a serial port or a network connection. When using a parallel port, the computer sends the data 1 byte at a time (8 bits in parallel, as opposed to 8 bits serially as in a serial port).
How many ports does a parallel port have?
Parallel Port or Centronics 36 Pin Port
Parallel port is an interface between computer and peripheral devices like printers with parallel communication. The Centronics port is a 36 pin port that was developed as an interface for printers and scanners and hence a parallel port is also called as a Centronics port.
How many types of parallel ports are there?
Parallel port hardware may be of five types, described next in the order of their appearance in PCs. A computer may contain any of these port types, and may include ports of more than one type.
