(computer) port

Definition: In computer networking, the term port can refer to either physical or virtual connection points.

Physical network ports allow connecting cables to computers, routers, modems and other peripheral devices. Several different types of physical ports available on computer network hardware include:

• Ethernet ports
• USB ports
• serial ports

Virtual ports are part of TCP/IP networking. These ports allow software applications to share hardware resources without interfering with each other. Computers and routers automatically manage network traffic traveling via their virtual ports. Network firewalls additionally provide some control over the flow of traffic on each virtual port for security purposes.

See also - What Is a Port Number?