PC - MAC Network with Firewire?

[Alyssa]

Is there any software, preferably free that will allow a PC (WinXP) and Mac to network using firewire?
I have seen FireNET already. Are there any other alternatives?


Alyssa

[shake]

why dont you network the two machines with a network cable? firewire will never be as fast as ethernet.

you should never use firewire for networking. no matter what your pc friends say.

why would u want to network two computers via firewire? when both computers have network cards just sitting there?

[Horrortaxi]

Actually Firewire is about 4 times faster than ethernet.

What you're looking for is called "IP over Firewire" and if you do a search on Versiontracker you'll find something that allows OS X to network with XP.

[tomf87]

Firewire is faster than Fast Ethernet, but not faster than gigabit. Firewire only works up to 15 feet, whereas Ethernet over copper can go 100 meters (approx 328 feet). If you need to connect the two machines even 20 feet away, you have to buy a firewire repeater or just stick to Ethernet.

[Alyssa]

Thanks Horrortaxi, I did a search on version tracker for IP over Firewire and came up empty :(

[Horrortaxi]

There is something there, but you need to be an Apple developer to download it--at least from versiontracker... The program is called "Apple IP Over Firewire". Might be available elsewhere--or get an ADC membership.

[fraeone]

Certainly gigabit ethernet is the best option, and has been standard on Macs for a while. However, try finding a PC that ships standard with it. That leaves you with 100Mbit, which FW is most definitely faster than. However the previous poster was completely right that Ethernet has much better range. It just depends on your needs.

fraeone