The spelling of "port address" is straightforward once you understand the phonetics. The word "port" is pronounced /pɔːt/ (pawrt) in IPA, with the letter "o" representing the open-mid back unrounded vowel. The word "address" is pronounced /ˈædrɛs/ (add-res), with the letter "a" representing the short a sound and the "dd" combining to make a single voiced consonant. In programming and networking contexts, a port address refers to a numerical identifier used to route data to the correct application or service.
A port address refers to a specific location within a computer's memory or network system, designated for communication between applications or devices. In computer networks, ports are identified by unique numerical values, known as port numbers, which help facilitate the transmission of data.
In the context of networking, a port address is typically used in conjunction with Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to establish communication channels between various devices or applications. Ports act as virtual endpoints within a network, enabling different applications or services to listen for incoming data or send outgoing data.
Port addresses are divided into two types: well-known ports and dynamic or private ports. Well-known ports, ranging from 0 to 1023, are standardized and typically associated with specific services, such as port 80 for HTTP or port 443 for HTTPS. Dynamic or private ports, ranging from 1024 to 65535, are used for various applications and are typically assigned dynamically by the operating system or network protocols.
To establish successful communication, both the sender and receiver need to agree on a specific port number. This port address acts as a destination or source for data packets, allowing the network to route information accurately to the intended application or device.
The term "port address" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "port" and "address".
The word "port" in computer networking refers to a logical or physical connection point through which data flows between a computer and other devices or networks. It comes from the analogy of a physical port on a ship or harbor, which is a specific location where goods are loaded and unloaded. In the context of networking, a port is a numbered endpoint for communication within a network protocol. These port numbers are standardized and assigned to specific services or processes.
The word "address" in the context of networking refers to the location of a networked device. It is akin to a postal address that helps identify where a piece of mail should be delivered. In networking, an address typically refers to an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which uniquely identifies a device in a network.