FireWire 101
Written By TylerFireWire is a way to connect and transfer data between digital devices, it is also known as IEEE 1394. The cable comes in a variety of different pin formats allowing for multiple data transferring speeds. Both Windows and Mac operating systems both support FireWire use.
4-pin (FireWire 400)
The 4-pin (4-circuit) cable can transfer data at 400Mbps, which is amazing since it is three times smaller than the 6 and 9-pin cables. It does not provide internal power, meaning it needs an external power connection to transfer the data. It comes in multiple varieties of 4-pin to 4-pin, 4-pin to 6-pin, and 4-pin to 9-pin.
6-pin (FireWire 400)
The 6-pin cable can also transfer data at 400Mbps, but it is normally used to hook up to a desktop computer since almost all desktop computers that have FireWire hook-ups are a 6-pin connections. Majority of cables have a 4-pin connection on the other side to hook up a DV camera or digital camera. It comes in multiple varieties of 6-pin to 4-pin, 6-pin to 6-pin, and 6-pin to 9-pin to support all connections.
9-pin (FireWire 800)
The 9-pin cable can transfer data at 800Mbps. Even though the 9-pin cable was created in 2002, majority of computers still use a 6-pin connection. It comes in muliple varieties of 9-pin t0 4-pin, 9-pin to 6-pin, and 9-pin to 9-pin. We have adapters to help you hook your 4 or 6-pin device up to a 9-pin device.
So what is the difference between USB and FireWire? USB 2.0 is a host-base, meaning devices have to be connected to a computer to communicate. It allows up to 127 devices on a hub, but can only reach a maximum transferring speed of 480Mbps. FireWire is a peer-to-peer, meaning two devices using FireWire can communicate together without using a computer. It only supports 63 devices on a hub, but can have transferring data speeds up to 800Mbps.