INT 14h,  03h    Request status

Entry: DX Port number

Exit: AX Status bit mask (see below)

Returns with the line and modem status in AX. Status bits returned are:

In AH:
Bit 0 = RDA - input data is available in buffer
Bit 1 = OVRN - the input buffer has been overrun. All
characters received after the buffer is
full should be discarded.
Bit 5 = THRE - room is available in output buffer
Bit 6 = TSRE - output buffer is empty

In AL:
Bit 3 = Always 1 (always return with this bit set to 1)
Bit 7 = DCD - carrier detect

This can be used by the application to determine whether carrier detect
(CD) is set, signifying the presence/absence of a remote connection, as
well as monitoring both the input and output buffer status. Bit 3 of AL
is always returned set to enable programs to use it as a carrier detect
bit on hardwired (null modem) links.