Firewire (1394) Reach - DPChallenge Forums

07/29/2004 08:34:12 PM · #1

How far does Firewire cabling reach before massive signal degradation???
I got my Epson R800 last night, and need to put it in a different room than my server/print-server.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/29/2004 08:44:12 PM · #2

In my travels, I came across this info:

"Another great feature of Firewire is that is supports up to 63 devices with a maximum cable length of 4.5 meters (14.8 ft.). If longer cable lengths are desired, you can run up to 16 devices with a maximum length of 72 meters (236 ft.)."
//www.cheap-discount-computer-parts.com/firewire.htm

Is this true?

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

07/29/2004 09:09:47 PM · #3

From the 1394 Trade Association website:

What about the 4.5-meter cable length limitation?
1394 cables are limited to 4.5 meters between devices before signal distortion begins to occur. The use of 1394 to implement home networks will require cable hops likely to exceed 10 meters. Restricting the speed of the bus to S200 enables an increase in the distance between nodes to about 14 meters (approximately 45 feet). 1394 transceivers have been announced that are powered by in-wall wiring and extend the distance between active nodes to at least 70 meters using plastic optical fiber (POF). Keep in mind that these distances are "between each device". Multiple devices can be connected so the overall length of the 1394 "network" can be very significant.

BTW S200 is 196.608 Mbits/s.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/29/2004 09:20:12 PM · #4

As for slowing the 1394 interface on WinXP, I have a problem:
I have a 40GB firewire hard-disk for photo's/backup.
halving the bandwidth to that would be painful.
I hope you can do it per-port, but that is not likely.
cheers, 'shroom

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

07/29/2004 09:39:08 PM · #5

Well there are a number of ways around this. Does your print server need to be where it is or could you move it to where the printer will be? If you can move it the cost is nothing.

Another option, run cat5 from the server to the printer then use a converter to switch to whichever port you want to use, USB2 or Firewire. Cost, if you already have the cable is about $40 for the converter and $20 for another NIC.

If you want to spend more money you could get really exotic with powered hubs at the max cable distances and put the printer anywhere. Or, if you really have money to burn use laptops instead of hubs. You may not like that internet cafÃ© ambiance though.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/29/2004 10:20:50 PM · #6

hmmmm..

maybe i'll shift the win2kadv-srv server to the room with the printer. it has no monitor, i use terminal services/remote desktop to admin it.
i've already got a 10 metre cat5 x-over, so i'll use that.

Message edited by author 2004-07-29 22:24:16.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/29/2004 11:33:35 PM · #7

With Firewire repeaters you can go up to 265 feet or more. You might also be able to find a wi-fi solution.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/30/2004 12:49:34 AM · #8

Here's one I can't answer:

Do Ethernet(cat5) > Firewire media converters exist?

And if they do, do they need drivers? I was hoping to plug the firewire end into the printer, and the Ethernet back to a PC.
Obviously, it would need to be self-powered.
alternatively, do firewire print servers exist?

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/30/2004 12:53:28 AM · #9

Maybe this would work?