Many people may get confused about 1394 and Universal Serial Bus(USB). It's understandable. Both are technologies that offer a new method of connecting multiple peripherals to a computer. Both permit peripherals to be added to or disconnected from a computer without the need to reboot. Both use thin, flexible cables which employ simple, durable connectors.

But there the similarities end. Although 1394 and USB cables may look nearly the same, the amount of data flowing through them is quite different. As the chart below shows, the widely different data transfer rate capability of 1394 and USB marks the principal distinction between these two technologies:

Today, 1394 offers a data transfer rate that is over 16 times faster than USB. In addition, 1394 has a well-defined bandwidth roadmap, with speed increases to 400mbps (50MB/sec) and possibly 800mbps (100MB/sec) expected in 1998, and 1Gbps+(125MB/sec) and beyond In succeeding years. Such dramatic improvements in data transfer capacity will be required to keep pace with bandwidth hogging devices, such as HDTV, digital set-top boxes and home automation systems, that plan to incorporate 1394 interfaces.

Does this mean that 1394 will "win" the interface war with USB?

No. That's because there is no need for a winner. Most industry analysts expect 1394 and USB to coexist peacefully in computers of the future. Small 1394 and USB connectors will replace the gaggle of connectors found on the back of today's PCs. USB will be reserved for low badwidth peripherals (mice, keyboards, modems), while 1394 will be used to connect to the new generation of high-bandwidth computer and consumer electronics products.