1394 Net Adapter

[kman]

I am running two computers, both with XP, through a D-Link 704P broadband router to the internet. Whenever I set up my network, I have a 1394 net adapter icon as well as my NIC icon and the Internet Gateway icon(router). What is the 1394 net adapter? Is this something that XP uses?

[FlyingPenguin]

IEEE 1394 is also called Firewire. It's emerging as a high-speed serial data port (like Firewire but MUCH faster).

It can be used to connect to DV cameras, hard drives, and many other devices.

It can also be used for networking which is why you have a network device for it, although I have yet to see firewire used as a network device.

[GatorFX]

The 1394 Net Adaptor has no real use, since the coming of age of the USB 2.0 Standard. While many Mainboards and computers still have 1394 Firewire comm ports, rarely do they get used these days unless you have older hardware that needs it. At one point, Firewire was the fastest way to transfer data, other than pure optical, from cameras and other hardware. Apple Macs used Firewire exclusively for years but now USB 2.0 is faster and has pretty much phased out Firewire in the indusrty.

[cat5e]

If you do not use Firewire, disable it in Windows Device Manger since it can create uncalled for Network bridges.

:cool:

[GatorFX]

Does it help any to uninstall it completely? I have a Firewire port and cables connected to my Mainboard and just have 1394 disabled as you've said. My computer seems to work fine that way and in the "rare" event I do need Firewire to connect something, it's already installed.