A Port Replicator is a device which is used to connect portable computers such as notebook computers or laptops to non-portable peripherals i.e. monitor, keyboard, scanner or a printer. Instead of connecting directly to the notebook computer, the peripherals are connected first to the Port Replicator and the notebook computer is then connected to the Port Replicator. This allows an individual to connect a number of peripherals simultaneously to a single notebook computer.

A Port Replicator contains common computer ports such as USB, serial and parallel. It usually contains a handful of each kind of port and so, it is very easy to attach a number of peripherals to it. Some Port Replicators have Ethernet Controllers or at least the dial-up capability so as to connect a laptop to the Internet.

A Port Replicator is similar to the docking station. However, a docking station is more versatile than a Port Replicator. A Port Replicator requires direct physical contact with the laptop so as to establish the connection, whereas a docking station requires a cable to establish a connection.

Advantages of using a Port Replicator

  • A Port Replicator increases the number of ports that can be used for attaching the peripherals such as monitor, printer and keyboard.
  • You don't have to unplug all the peripherals when you want to take the notebook computer to some other place. All you have to do is to simply unplug the Port Replicator from the notebook. Connect the Port Replicator to the notebook whenever you want to use the peripherals. So, it saves time and it also avoids the problems associated with repetitive plugging and un-plugging.