"J David Ellis" <nospam@home.org> wrote in message
news:QcGdndcLTrz7MbnanZ2dnUVZ_o6knZ2d@sti.net...
> Nothing in literature with external drive, nor on manufacturer's web site
> explains why the there are two ieee 1394 (firewire) ports. anyone know the
> purpose of having two?

Daisychaining more firewire devices.

Firewire is meant to connect from device to device instead of a central hub
like USB.