IEEE 1394, also known as FireWire, is a component originated from Apple which, like USB, allows the connection of peripherals to a computer, such as video cameras. However, there is one distinct difference: IEEE 1394 supports much higher bandwidth than USB, allowing you to get feed from a high-resolution video camera onto a computer without experiencing issues. Today, IEEE 1394 has become a computing standard for high-bandwidth devices.
What is an IEEE 1394 Port?
IEEE 1394 ports are, like USB ports, entry points for devices that you want to connect to your computer, obviously using an IEEE 1394 cable. Such cables sometimes are included with the devices you purchase that use IEEE 1394.
Differences between USB and IEEE 1394
Besides providing a higher bandwidth solution as compared to USB, IEEE 1394 has some advantages and disadvantages. For one, IEEE 1394 can support only up to 63 devices hooked up via a daisy chain, while USB can support 127 devices hooked up to a USB hub. IEEE 1394, however, functions through a peer-to-peer network structure.
IEEE 1394's Peer-To-Peer Network
IEEE 1394 works through peer-to-peer networking, meaning that devices can connect and talk to each other without needing a computer as a medium between the two. USB devices, on the other hand, require a computer to allow the devices to talk to one another.
Plug-And-Play
IEEE 1394 prides itself with the capability of plug-and-play. This means that a device connected to a computer is detected without need of a driver disk or other software.
What if My Computer does not have IEEE 1394?
If you do not have IEEE 1394 ports on your computer, you can always buy a PCI card that contains these ports to attach it to the motherboard of your computer. If you are unsure install a PCI card on your computer, or what a PCI card is, ask at your nearest computer store, and they will be more than glad to explain it to you and install the card for you.
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