IOGEAR's FireWire hubs provide 1394-compliant ports that support the highest data transfer rates, and automatically switch to the maximum speed that the peripheral supports. FireWire peripherals connect up externally; simply by plugging in cables. Configuration is automatic - there is no need to specify memory addresses, IRQ assignments, device IDs or to plug in terminators. IEEE 1394-compliant peripherals can be hot swapped (added and removed without having to shut the computer down).The fastest growing use of FireWire is in the realm of digital video (DV) devices. The digital format provides precise audio and video capabilities that are more directly compatible with a computer than the older generation of analog video devices. FireWire provides the physical structure for hassle-free, inexpensive, Plug and Play networking - perfect for the small office/home office environment.