What is the difference between a port replicator and a docking station

[Quattro]

Hello,

I am confused with two types of hardware as a networking devices.There are two devices which does the same thing.A port replicator provides a means to connect a notebook to a power outlet and provides additional ports. A docking station provides the same function as a port replicator, but also adds secondary storage.

What is the difference between both devices.

Thanks.

[Hardwareman]

A Port Replicator is a network device that is used to connect portable computers like notebook computers or laptops with non-portable peripherals for example -
Monitor, keyboard, scanner or a printer. The device is not directly connected to the notebook computer.The advance peripherals are being connected to the Port Replicator and then the port replicator is then connected with the notebook computer .

This provides the facility for an single to connect a number of different devices continuously with a single notebook computer.

[Maxforu]

There are some of the advantages which is very powerful advantage of the using port replicator.

The advantages are as follows -

• Using Port Replicator,you can be able to connect more than one peripherals devices like monitor, printer and keyboard.
  
• You need not to unplug the peripherals when you desired to take the notebook computer to some other place. You just simply unplug the Port Replicator from the notebook.

[Killen]

The Docking station is one of the hardware which provides the facility and support into which you can be able to install a portable computer. The docking station typically includes the separate slots for expansion cards such as printers, monitors and etc....

Once the docking station would be inserted into the docking station, the portable computer converts its format and becomes a desktop model computer. But when the device is pulled out from the connection,it converted as a portable computer again.

There is most important thing is that the similar data and contents can be retrieved in both modes because it contained into the portable computer's drives. The concept with the docking stations is that it provides the expansion possibilities of desktop model computers within the facility of portability with the notebook computers.

[T.J.]

Docking stations and port replicators are the devices which can be placed any where in the room and travelling. Your laptop adjusts into them and performs some additional functionality and converts the behavior of the laptop as desktop computer during used at your desk.

The users can opt anyone of them according to the functionality and pricing menu of the devices.You need to investigate about the procedure and out pricing of the devices and choose according to your budget.The both of the devices provides the functionality as same but the portability have some difference.