A serial cable is a cable used to connect two serial ports between a computer and another device, such as a printer or another computer. A serial port connection has nine (9) pins (or nine (9) holes) with five (5) on top and four (4) on bottom.
What is serial cable?
The term Serial Cable refers to a cable that transmits data sequentially over a serial communications interface, historically used to connect computers, modems, voting equipment, printers, or other devices. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does serial cable work in a network?
In practice, Serial Cable is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: a cable that transmits data sequentially over a serial communications interface, historically used to connect computers, modems, voting equipment, printers, or other devices. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does serial cable matter for network security?
Understanding Serial Cable matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to a cable that transmits data sequentially over a serial communications interface, historically used to connect computers, modems, voting equipment, printers, or other devices.
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A serial cable is a cable used to connect two serial ports between a computer and another device, such as a printer or another computer. A serial port connection has nine (9) pins (or nine (9) holes) with five (5) on top and four (4) on bottom.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Serial Cable. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/serial-cable
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