FireWire is used for audio-video (A/V) communication and built into most Apple operating systems. It is available in wireless, fiber optic, and coaxial isochronous protocol versions.

FireWire features include:

• Plug and socket connector capability for up to 63 devices with data transfer rate (DTR) speeds up to 400 Mbps
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) device communication networking without central processing unit (CPU) or system memory
• Plug-and-play support, which allows operating systems (OS) to automatically detect and configure new peripherals without system shutdown
• Hot swapping, which enables component removal and replacement without system shutdown.