SinglePort

Singleport is a term used in technology to denote configurations, devices, or interfaces that rely on a single port for connectivity, power, or data transfer. The term does not refer to a single standardized specification, but rather to a category of designs that minimize port count to simplify deployment, reduce size, or lower cost.

In networking, single-port devices include gateways or edge devices that provide one Ethernet port for a local network connection and may use internal routing, wireless backhaul, or auxiliary interfaces for management. These devices are common in small offices, residence networks, or certain IoT environments where a single uplink or endpoint suffices. In embedded systems, single-port refers to boards or modules with one serial, USB, or other communication port used for control or data exchange. In USB and power delivery contexts, single-port configurations describe adapters or chargers that present one downstream port for devices, as opposed to multiport hubs.

Advantages of singleport designs include compact form factors, lower cost, and simpler installation. Limitations include limited scalability, potential bottlenecks, a single point of failure for connectivity, and reduced flexibility for expanding networks or resources without adding hardware.

Examples of usage include single-port gateways, single-port industrial controllers, or USB-C chargers with a single output. See also terms such as multiport, Ethernet switch, USB hub, and port-forwarding for related concepts.