Kramer

Kramer TP-400FW FireWire Twisted Pair Extender

Extend FireWire Signals with Twisted Pair TechnologyThe Kramer TP-400FW is a versatile FireWire over Twisted Pair Transmitter/Receiver that extends the range of FireWire (IEEE 1394) signals. It converts FireWire signals into twisted pair signals and back, ensuring reliable data transmission. Po...

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Overview

Extend FireWire Signals with Twisted Pair Technology

The Kramer TP-400FW is a versatile FireWire over Twisted Pair Transmitter/Receiver that extends the range of FireWire (IEEE 1394) signals. It converts FireWire signals into twisted pair signals and back, ensuring reliable data transmission.

  • Ports: 1 FireWire (6-pin serial connectors), 2 Twisted Pair (RJ-45 connectors)
  • Transfer Rate: 100Mbps

Key Features

The TP-400FW is a twisted pair transmitter or receiver for FireWire (IEEE 1394) signals.

When used in pairs, one converts a FireWire signal into a twisted pair signal and the other converts the twisted pair back to a FireWire signal and simultaneously outputs the twisted pair signal to another TP-400FW.

Ports: 1 FireWire on 6-pin serial connectors, front and rear panels; 2 twisted pair on RJ-45 connectors.

Transfer rate: 100Mbps.

Specifications

Model
TP-400FW
Function
FireWire Twisted Pair Extender
Signal Type Extended
FireWire (IEEE 1394)
FireWire Ports
1 (6-pin serial connectors, front and rear panels)
Twisted Pair Ports
2 (RJ-45 connectors)
Transfer Rate
100Mbps

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Functions as both a twisted pair transmitter and receiver for FireWire signals, offering versatility
  • Allows extension of FireWire (IEEE 1394) signals over twisted pair cabling, useful for longer distances
  • Features multiple ports: one 6-pin FireWire connector and two RJ-45 twisted pair connectors
  • Supports a transfer rate of 100Mbps, suitable for FireWire 400 applications
  • When used in pairs, it provides a full conversion and simultaneous twisted pair output for daisy-chaining

👎 Cons

  • The 100Mbps transfer rate is slower than modern data transfer standards like USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt
  • Requires two TP-400FW units to form a complete extender pair, increasing the total cost for a full solution
  • FireWire technology is becoming less common, limiting the range of compatible devices for new setups
  • No information on maximum extension distance over twisted pair is provided, making planning difficult
  • The product is a specialized extender for a specific legacy interface, which might not be broadly applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

The Kramer TP-400FW serves as a twisted pair transmitter or receiver designed to extend FireWire (IEEE 1394) signals.
This extender supports a FireWire transfer rate of 100Mbps.
It features one FireWire port on a 6-pin serial connector (available on both front and rear panels) and two twisted pair ports on RJ-45 connectors.
Yes, the TP-400FW is described as both a twisted pair transmitter and a receiver for FireWire signals.
When used in pairs, one unit converts the FireWire signal to twisted pair, and the other converts the twisted pair back to FireWire, while also outputting the twisted pair signal to another TP-400FW for further extension.