Apple releases IP over FireWire Preview


The Apple Developer Connection (ADC) has posted the IP over FireWire Preview Release.

"Because FireWire can transfer data at up to 400 megabits/second, it is suitable for networking and clustering solutions, as well as temporary connections to the internet using Internet Sharing," states the related ADC page dryly.

With the IP over FireWire Preview Release adds support for using the Internet Protocol and Macs and other devices can use existing IP protocols and services over FireWire, including AFP, HTTP, FTP, SSH, etc. In all cases, Rendezvous can be used if desired for configuration, name resolution and discovery.

The preview release adds a new Kernel Extension (ie a .kext file) that hooks into the existing network services architecture. Using the existing Network Preferences Pane, users can add FireWire as their IP network node to connect and communicate between two machines.

Editor's note: As with all things new and innovative, the value lies in people actually finding uses for the product, and that means developers and hardware makers creating compatible third-party widgets and software. Fundamentally, people are pretty dull and will use what's put before them -- ie Windoze.

Will this overtly exciting extension of a really great technology take off? That's the $64-billion question.

But, merely the notion of hot-pluggable, instant-discovery networking piques my interest.