What is I/O (Input/Output)?

Computers have enabled the rapid exchange of information across networks to other devices. Computers help take in data, process its contents, and then send it back out. 

I/O (input/output) allows this process to continue over and over again in real-time. In this blog, you'll learn more about how I/O plays an important role in transferring data between devices over networks in real time.

What is I/O (Input/Output)?

I/O (Input/Output) is an information processing system designed to send and receive data from a computer hardware component, device, or network.

Data can be sent between devices over a network. Without I/O, computers would not be able to communicate to other systems or devices. 

What are some devices associated with I/O?

Within the world of I/O, there are two primary types of devices: input devices and output devices.

Input devices only allow for input of data to another device. An example of an input device is a mouse, as it can only send data (input) to a computer, but it cannot accept or reproduce information from the computer.

Output devices only receive the output of data from another device. An example of an output device is a monitor, as it can only receive and display the data that is sent (output) from a computer. 

Some devices, however, can do both. These devices are called I/O devices. An example of an I/O device is a hard drive, as it receives data from a computer to copy onto itself and then send that data out to a computer. 

Within a high-performance computing architecture, I/O devices send and receive information between systems in rapid fashion, since CPUs, memory, and storage are all designed to the highest specifications. 

An example of an I/O device within this framework is a NIC card, a networking card that receives and sends data from other network devices and computers. 

The Trenton Advantage 

At Trenton, we create powerful computing solutions that incorporate versatile I/O options such as next-gen PCIe and on-board I/O for radar, electronic warfare (EW), signal intelligence (SIGINT), communication intelligence (COMINT), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) applications.

This helps support future programs and option cards that provide their own flavor of I/O to run complex and/or custom applications. 

Our 1U BAM FM, for example, is equipped with a customizable I/O board to ensure adaptability to customers' varying needs and ease of access. 

Our systems also support 100G/40G/25G/10G/1G Ethernet to handle massive amounts of data input, whether in the command room, in unmanned vehicles, or on the field. 

Though the use of various networking technologies, we ensure the rapid transfer of data and improved communication between data communication equipment (DCE)  across all domains of the modern battlespace.