What are serial ports primarily used for?

Serial ports are primarily used for connecting slower input/output devices, such as a mouse or modem. These types of devices generally do not require high-speed data transfer, making serial ports an ideal choice for their communication needs.

Historically, serial ports transmit data one bit at a time over a single channel, which naturally limits their speed compared to more modern standards like USB or Ethernet. This characteristic aligns with the typical usage of devices like mice and modems, which do not demand rapid data transmission and can effectively operate within the bandwidth capabilities of a serial port.

While there are faster methods for data transfer (often associated with high-speed devices), those typically rely on parallel or other more advanced connection methods. In contexts where devices require quick communication, serial ports are usually not used, leading to their association primarily with devices that operate adequately at lower speeds.