COMPUTER PORTS — Expanding the acronym ECP In PC hardware and printer interfaces, what does the abbreviation ECP stand for, as defined in the IEEE 1284 parallel-port standard?

Introduction / Context:
Before USB became universal, printers and scanners commonly used the parallel port. The IEEE 1284 standard introduced several modes to improve speed and bidirectional communication. ECP is one such mode and is a common interview and exam topic in computer fundamentals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• ECP refers to a parallel-port mode, not a modern USB protocol.
• The question asks for the expansion of “ECP.”
• Context is legacy PC hardware and peripherals.

Concept / Approach:
ECP stands for Extended Capabilities Port. It provides faster transfers and features like DMA support and bidirectional data flow compared to older Standard Parallel Port (SPP) modes. It was intended to enhance performance for printers, scanners, and storage devices using parallel connections.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize the standards context: IEEE 1284 parallel port.Recall that ECP expands to “Extended Capabilities Port.”Select the option that exactly matches this expansion.

Verification / Alternative check:
Motherboard BIOS settings historically list modes like SPP, EPP, and ECP. Documentation clearly expands ECP as Extended Capabilities Port.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Extra Compatible Part / Extended Connection Port / External Cordless Peripheral — sound plausible but are not the recognized expansion.Enhanced Cable Protocol — not the established term in IEEE 1284.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ECP with EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port). Both are IEEE 1284 modes, but EPP focuses on simple high-speed transfers, whereas ECP adds advanced features like DMA and channel addressing.

Final Answer:
Extended Capabilities Port