Final answer:
I/O modules serve as an intermediary between the system bus and peripheral devices, offering increased flexibility, improved performance, enhanced reliability, and simplified design. Direct peripheral connections have drawbacks like inflexibility, reduced performance, increased risk of failures, and complex design. Examples of I/O module benefits include hot-swappable hard drives in a server environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
List four reasons that arraign the use of I/O modules instead of connecting peripherals directly into the system bus.
- Increased flexibility: I/O modules allow for easier addition or removal of peripherals without affecting the system bus.
- Improved performance: By offloading I/O operations to dedicated modules, the system bus is freed up for other tasks, resulting in better overall performance.
- Enhanced reliability: I/O modules provide isolation between the system bus and the peripherals, reducing the risk of system failures caused by faulty devices.
- Simplified design: I/O modules abstract the complexity of various peripheral interfaces, making it easier to design and maintain the system.
a) Purpose and function of I/O modules in computer systems:
I/O modules serve as an intermediary between the system bus and peripheral devices. They handle the communication and data transfer between the computer and the peripherals. Additionally, they provide a standardized interface for different types of peripherals.
b) Advantages of using I/O modules over direct peripheral connections:
- Flexibility in adding or removing peripherals
- Improved system performance
- Increased reliability
- Simplified system design
c) Drawbacks or limitations of direct peripheral connections:
- Inflexibility in adding or removing peripherals
- Reduced system performance due to increased bus traffic
- Higher risk of system failures caused by faulty devices
- More complex system design
d) Examples or scenarios where I/O modules are beneficial:
- In a server environment where hot-swappable hard drives are needed, I/O modules allow for easy addition or removal without shutting down the entire system.