Firewire networking takes advantage of a spec called "IP over 1394".  This spec Standardizes how to transfer IP packets across a firewire (IEEE 1394) interface - translated: firewire networking!  By simply running an inexpensive firewire cable between two computers with modern operating systems and firewire ports, you get a 400Mbps network connection! (IETF RFC 2734).

Firewire networking support is very limited in all but the latest operating systems.  It is fully supported under Windows XP-Home and XP-Pro.  Windows ME also has 'some' firewire networking support but don't count on it being reliable.  Also remember, native firewire networking is only for IP, not NetBEUI IPX or any other protocol.

 

 

Maximum distance between nodes is also a problem for firewire.  It was never designed for the long haul so the maximum distance of a cable is about 15 feet.  Repeaters can be placed between 15 ft cables for a maximum distance of 237 feet.

 

A new way of increasing the distance between your firewire network enabled computers is to replace the copper wire in a firewire cable with something else - fiber.  Firewire to Fiber transceivers are starting to appear on the market that would allow a firewire signal to travel VERY far - like 40km! 

Apple does not support firewire networking but it does have a nifty feature for transferring files between computers quickly.  First connect two Mac's with a firewire cable.  Then boot up one of the computer while holding down the 'T' key till the firewire icon appears.  This computer is now a slave 400Mbps 'firewire hard drive' to the other fully booted computer.  COOL eh?