Be it you are a seasoned professional or someone just starting – enlightening yourself about everything in the world of cables is a must. Are you here because you want to enlighten yourself about Firewall cables? If yes, then know that these cables have been a staple in the world of technology.
Besides offering high-speed data transfer, they ensure reliable connections. Despite the rise of new technologies like USB, the Firewire cables remain a popular choice for many applications. To find out more about these wires including various types, speeds, uses, and more – read until the end.
What are Firewire Cables?
A firewire cable is a wire which connects various devices. Data and audio/video signals get transferred through this special type of wire. These cables were developed by Apple in the 1980s and it was then named as FireWire. Having exclusive features like fast data transfer rates, it ended real-time transfer.
Anyone needing a reliable data transfer can depend on them. Also, these can be connected and disconnected without shutting down the system. With FireWire, multiple devices can be connected with the help of daisy-chain configuration features. read Understanding Firewire Cable
What are the Types of Firewire Cables?
There are several firewire cable types that you may come across. Some of them are given below.
i) FireWire 400 ( IEEE 1394a)
Want to transfer data with up to 400 Mbps rates? Try using FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a). These come with a 6-pin connector. Moreover, they may exceed up to 4.5 meters in length. These are commonly used for
- Audio and video production equipment
- Scanners
- Printers
- External hard drives
- Storage devices
- Older digital cameras and more.
ii) FireWire 800 ( IEEE 1394b)
Did you know that FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) can support up to 800 Mbps? It can offer exclusive support as it has a 9-pin connector. Whereas, the cable length is similar to FireWire 400. Some of the purposes it is used for include
- High-speed data transfer applications
- Professional audio and video editing
- High-end digital cameras
- Camcorders
- External hard drives
- Storage devices and more.
iii) FireWire 1600 ( IEEE 1394c)
One of the next types of FireWire cable in the list is the FireWire 1600 (IEEE 1394c). When wanting to transfer data rates up to 1600 Mbps, they are an ideal choice. With a 9-pin connector, they serve a range of purpose including
- High-end professional audio and video equipment
- High-speed data transfer applications
- Industrial applications
- Commercial applications and more.
iv) Mini FireWire
Want to get the smallest version of FireWire cables? Well, you should choose a mini fireWire cable that has a length of 1 meter. They have a 4-pin connector and are similar to Firewire 400. Moreover, they are used for
- Laptops,
- Portable devices,
- Digital cameras,
- Mobile audio and more.
v) FireWire Bilingual
It’s the blend of FireWire 400 and FireWire 800. It comes with a 9-pin connector and has cable length of 4.5 meters. These are used for connectivity of both the wires.
vi) FireWire Cable with Power
FireWire cables provide power to devices through the cable. It uses a 6-pin and 9-pin connector besides having a length of 4.5 meters. It serves various purposes, powering devices like external hard drives and audio interfaces.
What are the Benefits of FireWire Cable?
If you are about to purchase an ieee-1394 firewire cable,then take a look at the range of benefits it offers including
- FireWire cable ensures high-speed data transfer without interruption and a support of up to 800 Mbps.
- While using these cables, you do not need to shut down the system.
- It comes with a real-time data transfer feature that makes them perfect for audio and video editing.
- This cable comes with multiple devices which can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration.
- They provide a reliable connection and ensure low latency.
- Some firewire cables provide power delivery which reduces the need for separate power cables.
- FireWire cables are compatible with a range of devices and can be easily set up.
- They are durable which makes them ideal for heavy use and less prone to damage.
Know the Applications of FireWire Cables – How You Can Use Them?
FireWire cables come with a range of applications in different fields. They serve a variety of purposes including
- You can connect audio interfaces besides mixers, cameras, and other equipment that need high-speed data transfer alongside real-time connectivity.
- With the IEEE1394 firewire cable, it becomes easier to connect a range of devices. Some of them include digital cameras, security cameras, camcorders, game consoles, video transfer, editing etc.
- It becomes convenient to transfer large files. The transfer can take place between devices like external hard drives, scanners and more.
- You can use firewire cables in industrial settings for machine control and in the medical sector for devices like ultrasound machines, etc.
How to Choose the Best FireWire Cable?
If you have not purchased an IEEE – 1394 firewire cable before, then you should be precise about a few things to make the right investment. Consider the following essential points:
- Check Device Compatibility
The first thing you must consider when purchasing a FireWire cable is its device compatibility. The FireWire cable chosen must match the port type on the device. Remember to use an incompatible cable. This is because if you do not use an incompatible one, it may lead to connectivity issues. Also, it can cause damage to your device.
- Consider Data Transfer Speed
Check the data transfer speed to ensure uninterrupted performance.If you have the highest speed requirement, then choose
FireWire 800.
- Length of the Cable
You must take the cable’s length into account. This is essential so that the cable can match the distance requirement. You can pick 4.5 meter long cables as it is ideal. But a cable length of more than this may impact the signal quality. To resolve this issue, you can choose a repeater or hub to boost the signal.
- Power Delivery
If your device requires power, make sure to choose a FireWire cable that comes with power delivery. You may come across some FireWire cables that may supply up to 30 volts of power. Whereas, others may not be capable of offering any power at all. Therefore, when choosing a cable, you must ensure it meets the device’s power requirements.
- Shielding and Quality
Make sure to opt for shielded cables to reduce electromagnetic interference or EMI. This will ensure that you get reliable data transfer. Make sure to pick high-quality cables that have a thick shielding and durable construction. This will ensure that the cable can withstand heavy use. Also, this may eliminate problems like signal degradation. When choosing firewire cables with a promising performance, pick the one with gold-plated connectors and high-quality insulation.
