Computer Ports and Connections

Firewire

‘Firewire’ is the standard name for the IEEE 1394 interface, another type of computer port and cable, found only on computers and devices manufactured by Apple Inc. In technical terms, the Firewire interface is similar to USB and shares many of the same features and communication types.

Firewire allows multiple devices to be connected using one bus, and features two-way communication in both directions at the same time, which is not available on USB connections. Firewire has been included on every Apple computer produced since the year 2000, although in 2014 is now being superseded by the Thunderbolt connection interface on newer models, which provides better data speeds and lower energy usage using optical fibre cables.  Firewire is not as widely found in modern computers, as it is not a cross-compatible connection between different manufacturers.

eSATA

‘eSATA’ is a variant of the standard SATA (Standard AT Attachment) interface, meant for external connections from the computer to other devices as opposed to the internal SATA connection. This uses identical protocols and transport signalling to internal SATA, however can transmit across larger distances (up to 2 meters of cable) and faster transport rates than USB or Firewire.

eSata is also preferred by some as it is able to transmit low-level drive features which other connections are not able to operate. Many modern computers, net books and laptops have eSATA connector ports in addition to other type of ports, in order to provide a range of connective options. A disadvantage of eSATA connectors is that they are not able to supply electricity and power to connected devices, and so any device which is plugged in via this connection must also have an additional, functioning power supply in order to remain functional and able to communicate with the computer.