USB vs. IEEE 1394 (FireWire): what is the most significant difference between the standards in classic PC contexts?
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AIEEE 1394 is faster
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BUSB does not support USB
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CUSB is plug and play
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DIEEE 1394 is hot swappable
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ENone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: IEEE 1394 is faster
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Legacy PC interfaces offered two popular serial buses: USB (notably USB 1.1 at 12 Mb/s at the time) and IEEE 1394 FireWire (commonly 400 Mb/s, later 800 Mb/s). Understanding their comparative speed and features informs device selection for storage, video capture, and audio interfaces.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Comparison refers to the classic era: USB 1.1 vs IEEE 1394a (FireWire 400).
- Typical peripherals: scanners, cameras, external drives.
- Both buses support hot plugging in their standard implementations.
Concept / Approach:In that historical context, IEEE 1394 was significantly faster (up to 400 Mb/s, later 800 Mb/s) and provided isochronous transfer modes useful for real-time audio/video. USB 1.1 topped out at 12 Mb/s. Both were plug-and-play and hot-swappable in mainstream OS support, so speed was the most striking difference then.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify maximum signaling rates: USB 1.1 = 12 Mb/s; FireWire 400 = 400 Mb/s.Note isochronous support on IEEE 1394 benefiting A/V workloads.Recognize both standards support hot swapping and plug-and-play.Therefore, the most significant difference cited is speed in that timeframe.Verification / Alternative check:Benchmarks of external HDDs and DV camcorders from that era consistently favored IEEE 1394 for sustained transfers.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- USB does not support USB: Nonsensical.
- USB is plug and play: True but not unique; IEEE 1394 is also plug and play.
- IEEE 1394 is hot swappable: True but USB is hot swappable too; not the distinguishing factor.
Common Pitfalls:Comparing later USB 2.0/3.x speeds retroactively; the question frames a classic comparison where FireWire was faster.
Final Answer:IEEE 1394 is faster