Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

Which of the following types of ports used to connect networks is the most common standard for local area networks?

1. Ethernet port

2. VGA port

3. Serial port

4. Parallel port

The correct answer is: Ethernet port

Ethernet ports are the most common standard for local area networks (LANs). They are specifically designed for high-speed data transfer and are the cornerstone of wired network communication in both home and office environments. Ethernet technology allows devices to connect within a local area, facilitating communication and resource sharing efficiently. Ethernet ports, typically using RJ-45 connectors, support various standards such as Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps), and even 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps), which greatly enhances network performance and reliability. In contrast, the other types of ports listed serve different purposes. VGA ports are primarily used for video output to displays and do not facilitate network connectivity. Serial and parallel ports are older technologies used mainly for connecting peripheral devices and are not suitable for network connectivity, making them less applicable for modern network environments. Thus, Ethernet ports stand out as the standard solution for local area networking.