What is a port?

  • Join  Lenovo Pro Business Store

    Log In / Sign Up

    Learn More

    Community


  • Accessibility
  • Sales:

    Home:

    1-855-253-6686

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Sign In / Create Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Lenovo Family Hub
    Manage your family's orders all in one place
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Business
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Accessories
  • Software
  • Monitors
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Home & Office
  • AI
  • Deals
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Remove
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Items
All
Cancel
Top Suggestions
View All >
Starting at
  • Back to School! Gear up for the year ahead with these limited-time doorbusters.  Shop Now >

  • Lenovo Live with Jessica: Back to School + exclusive offer revealed on 7/28 @ 12pm ET! Register Today >

  • My Lenovo Rewards! Enter for a chance to win a Legion 5 Gen 10, mouse, backpack & earbuds! One winner. Ends 8/24. Join for Free >

  • Lease-to-own today with Katapult. Get started with an initial lease payment as low as $1! * Learn More >

  • Shopping for a business? New Lenovo Pro members get $100 off first order of $1,000+, exclusive savings & 1:1 tech support. Learn More >

Home > Glossary > What is a port?
Glossary Hero
Learn More
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

StoreStore

Pick Up Today at Best Buy

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets & Phones Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is a port?

A port is a physical interface that connects a computer or other electronic device to another device or network. It is used to transfer data, power, or other signals between devices.

What are the types of ports?

There are several types of ports used in technology, including USB, ethernet, HDMI, VGA, and thunderbolt. Each port has a specific purpose and function.

What is a USB port?

A USB port is a common type of port used to connect devices to a computer or other electronic device. It allows data to be transferred between devices and can also be used to charge devices.

What is an ethernet port?

An ethernet port is used to connect a device to a local network or the internet. It is commonly used for wired internet connections and can provide faster and more stable internet speeds than wireless connections.

What is an HDMI port?

An HDMI port is used to transmit high-definition video and audio signals between devices, such as a computer and a monitor or a TV.

What is a VGA port?

A VGA port is used to connect a computer or other device to a monitor or display. It is an older type of port and has been replaced by HDMI and other newer types of ports.

What is a thunderbolt port?

A thunderbolt port is a high-speed port that is used to transfer data and power between devices. It is commonly used for connecting devices such as external hard drives, displays, and audio interfaces to a computer.

What is a serial port?

A serial port is an older port used to connect devices to a computer. It is commonly used for connecting devices such as printers, modems, and other serial devices.

What is a parallel port?

A parallel port is another older type used to connect devices to a computer. It is commonly used for connecting devices such as printers, scanners, and other parallel devices.

What is port forwarding?

Port forwarding is a technique used to allow external devices to connect to a specific device or service on a local network. It is commonly used for online gaming, remote access, and other types of network services.

What is a port scanner?

A port scanner is a tool used to scan a network or device for open ports. It is commonly used by network administrators to identify potential security vulnerabilities on a network.

What is a port number?

A port number is a number used to identify a specific service or application running on a computer or device. It is used in combination with an IP address to establish a connection between devices on a network.

What is a virtual port?

A virtual port is a software-based port that is used to emulate a physical port on a computer or device. It is commonly used in virtualization environments and other types of software-defined networking.

What is a firewire port?

A firewire port is a high-speed port that is used to transfer data between devices, such as a computer and a digital camera or external hard drive. It has been replaced by thunderbolts and USB ports.

What is a display port?

A display port is a digital video and audio interface used to connect a computer or other device to a display. It is commonly used for high-resolution displays and gaming monitors.

What is a power port?

A power port is used to provide power to a device, such as a laptop or smartphone. It can take the form of a plug or a USB port that is designed for charging.

What is a headphone port?

A headphone port is used to connect headphones or speakers to a device, such as a smartphone or laptop. It is typically a 3.5mm jack or a USB port that supports audio output.

What is a microphone port?

A microphone port is used to connect a microphone to a device, such as a computer or camera. It is typically a 3.5mm jack or a USB port that supports audio input.

What is a MIDI port?

A MIDI port is used to connect musical instruments and other MIDI devices to a computer or other electronic device. It allows for the transfer of musical data, such as notes and timing information.

What is a network port?

A network port is a physical interface used to connect a device to a local network or the internet. It can take the form of an ethernet port, a wireless network interface, or a modem port.

What is a serial ATA port?

A serial ATA or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) port is used to connect storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, to a computer or other electronic device. It allows for faster data transfer rates than older parallel ATA ports. An eSATA port has a slightly different shaped cable plug but has the same electrical signal as a SATA port.

What is a universal audio jack?

A universal audio jack is a type of audio port that supports both audio input and output. It is commonly used in laptops and other mobile devices.

What is a docking port?

A docking port is used to connect a laptop or other mobile device to a docking station. It allows for the device to be connected to multiple peripherals, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, with a single connection.

What is an ethernet port?

An ethernet port is a type of network port used to connect devices to a wired local network or the internet. It is commonly used for desktop computers, routers, and other networking equipment.

What is a SIM card slot?

A SIM card slot is used to insert a SIM card into a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The SIM card allows the device to connect to a cellular network and make calls, send text messages, and access mobile data.

What is a PS/2 port?

A PS/2 port is an older type of port used to connect keyboards and mice to a computer. It has been replaced by USB ports, but some older computers and specialized equipment may still use PS/2 ports.

What is a thunderbolt 3 port?

A thunderbolt 3 port is the latest version of the thunderbolt port, with support for faster data transfer rates, more video output options, and charging capabilities. It is commonly found on newer laptops and desktop computers.

What is a serial port?

A serial port is an older type of port used to connect peripherals to a computer, such as printers and scanners. It is slower than modern ports like USB, but some specialized equipment may still use serial ports.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

  • Legion 7i Gen 9 (16″ Intel) Gaming Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,699.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (15ʺ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,195.92
    Learn More
  • Yoga Book 9i (13” Intel)
    Starting at
    $1,999.99
    Learn More
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14″ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,439.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (16″ Intel) Mobile Workstation
    Starting at
    $2,399.00
    Learn More
  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and packaging, and available CO2 Offset Services.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For ...

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing op...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace of Mind

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power through your day with our Smart Performance and extended battery solutions.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Fast & Secure

    Get the most from your laptop with Lenovo’s state-of-the-art Smart Performance, delivering powerful, all-in-on...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Outlet
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Cloud Security Software
    • Windows 11 Upgrade

    Shop By Industry

    • Small Business Solutions
    • Large Enterprise Solutions
    • Government Solutions
    • Healthcare Solutions
    • Higher Education Solutions
    • Education Discounts
    • Discount Programs

    Resources

    • Legion Gaming Community
    • Lenovo EDU Community
    • Lenovo Pro Community
    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Lenovo Trade-in
    • Customer Discounts
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Policy FAQs
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Order Lookup
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacyCookie Consent ToolDo Not Sell or Share My Personal InformationU.S. Privacy NoticeSite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-855-253-6686
    Select Your Store
    Add items to your cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in this Store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro
    Add items to your Lenovo Pro Store?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in Lenovo Pro Store?
    No Yes.Add items in Lenovo Pro store.
    Add items to your Affinity Store?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in Affinity Store?
    No Yes.Add items in Affinity store.
    Add items to your Education Store?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in Education Store?
    No Yes.Add items in Education store.