Firewire Specification Approved For Speeds Up To 3.2 Gigabits/sec

[boom_media]

EEE has approved a new version of IEEE 1394, better known to Apple users as Firewire. The standard, known as 1394-2008, encompasses all prior Firewire technology and provides complete specifications for speeds of 1.6 Gigabits/second and 3.2 Gigabits/second, which TG Daily notes utilizes the existing 9 pin cables of Firewire 800.

Firewire 400 devices have become widespread in the computer industry, though the faster Firewire 800 specification has seen slower adoption. Currently MacBook Pros, Mac Pros, and iMacs each feature both Firewire 400 and Firewire 800 ports.

IEEE says the new standard is expected to be available in October.
refhttp://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/31/firewire-specification-approved-for-speeds-up-to-3-2-gigabits-sec/

[alexandgruntz]

3.8 gigabits. That's nothing compared to USB 3's 4.8 gigabits.

[worldwise001]

Well, the new standard also calls for the possibility of using Firewire over the RJ-45 port (ethernet) instead of the traditional firewire port. Yes the standards are different, but the physical connector will be the same.

Also, difference between Firewire and USB:

Firewire directly interfaces with the hardware. It bypasses any software layers, thus if used for networking, easily compromises systems. Yet this direct interfacing creates low latency and thus is suitable for many "data-dump-on-the-fly" devices, such as DV cameras.

USB has to go through a software layer before reaching the hardware. This makes it more secure, but sometimes a pain as the device at the end must be "recognized" before you can do anything to it. This makes it more for transferring data where latency/speed is not a factor, and thus "lag" can occur with minimal consequences.

Another interesting thing of note: Firewire 800 has been out a while, yet I see a lot of systems tend to ship Firewire 400... any reason why?

[Hazirak]

3.8 gigabits. That's nothing compared to USB 3's 4.8 gigabits.

USB also has a higher overhead due to its inability to interface directly with the computer's hardware, whereas Firewire devices have a dedicated chip that communicates directly with the host's CPU. Actual throughput is much less than 4.8 gigabits/second on USB, but Firewire realizes more of its 3.2 gigabits due to a considerably lower overhead.

The down side is that this dedicated chip tends to jack up the price of Firewire devices.