Because 1394 devices are hot pluggable, they can be added to or subtracted from an existing 1394 network at any time, even when data traffic is heavy. This means that there is no need to configure a server, which makes it ideal for ad hoc networking. However, it is not an effective option for implementing a system in which data is centralized or heavily controlled. Although devices are daisy chained, it is not necessary for all nodes to be powered on. Data is transmitted through a node even when the device has been turned off.
Transmission speeds are scalable.
That is, data can be transmitted at different speeds within a network. It is here, though, that network design must be considered. A device that transmits at only 100Mbps should not be placed between devices that operate at 400Mbps, or their transmission speeds will be compromised. The 1394 bus is not limited to cable applications, but can also be implemented as a backplane like the familiar PCI bus on PCs. As the PC world merges with telecommunications and other media, a standard interface becomes more and more necessary.