What is the function of an Ethernet port?

The function of an Ethernet port primarily involves allowing data transmission at high speeds. Ethernet ports are designed to connect computers and other devices to a local area network (LAN) using Ethernet cables. This connection facilitates the transfer of data between devices, enabling them to communicate with each other over a network, access shared resources, and connect to the internet.

Ethernet technology supports various data transmission speeds, commonly ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps or more, depending on the standards used (like Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet). This capability is essential for handling bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming video, online gaming, and large file transfers.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of an Ethernet port. While connecting to a printer directly may involve different types of connections, Ethernet ports are specifically for network data transmission. Charging portable devices is the function of power ports or USB ports, not Ethernet ports. Extending a computer's memory relates to RAM or storage upgrades, which are separate from networking functions. Therefore, the role of the Ethernet port in enabling high-speed data transmission is critical to modern networking.