Firewire networking switches come in a variety of styles and sizes to meet your business needs. Choose simple firewire A B switch connectors for an inexpensive way to deal with two cables, or choose four- or six-port firewire switches. These simple switches are passive; they use manual switching and require no electricity. Relatively inexpensive, you'll love getting organized with these firewire switches.

Larger firewire switches combine efficiency with automatic switching. These higher-end switches eliminate the need for more expensive fiber channel switches, hubs, cables, software and cards. Install these multichannel switches and you'll soon cut down on bottlenecks in your network. These systems also supply affordable shared storage to eliminate copying files.

1. Add firewire networking switches to increase productivity on your network.

2. Buy bi-directional firewire switches with four output and input connections.

3. Choose firewire products with simple A/B ports that decrease hassles.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Firewire networking switches eliminate the need for expensive traditional switches

Choose a network firewire switch like the SANcube800 to streamline your network. These firewire switches eliminate the need for more traditional connectors such as fiber channel switches, hubs, cables, cards and software. These high-end firewire networking switches end bottlenecks and copying files, leaving you more time to concentrate on improving your business and selling your products. The SANcube800 network firewire switch also has plenty of storage space designed for the creative professional.

I recommend: Buy SANcube800 firewire networking switches at Super Warehouse and BlueDogInk.com.

Choose a bi-directional firewire switch with four output and input connections

Buy firewire switch connections like the Kramer model that accommodate up to four switches. These bi-directional switchers provide ports for six-pin connectors. Just connect in any four inputs and any four outputs, and you'll be closer to organizing your computing. These firewire switches are passive and require manual switching but no power. Transfer rates are 100, 200 and 400 Mbps. What's more, these switches easily fit on a desktop.

I recommend: Compare prices for the Kramer firewire switch at ProSecuritys.com and Pro Audio & Video.

Use firewire switches to end the hassle of switching out cables

With firewire switches, you can easily change from one connection to another. Just push a button, and your work is done with a firewire AB switch. Connections are six-pin firewire. For connections to four-pin firewire found on cameras, just buy a conversion cable to add to a firewire A B switch. Before buying one of these firewire switches, check for compatibility with your system.

I recommend: Find firewire switches at Small Dog Electronics and Sign Video.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure you get what you need by checking on warranty and return policies for firewire switches. The last thing you want is to be stuck with computer equipment that doesn't work.