When you are connecting devices to your computer, don't make a second connection between two devices that are already part of the tree. The devices will not work properly because the transmission of the second connection is blocked and forms a loop within the tree arrangement. FireWire devices need only one connection to another device to become part of a hierarchy (tree) arrangement.

This cable (shown in blue) creates a loop because it connects a device back to the computer.

If you can't tell whether you have a loop, count the number of devices connected and the number of cables between them all. If the number of cables you have is one fewer than the number of devices, you do not have any loops.

If you discover a loop in your arrangement, disconnect one of the cable connectors on a device to break the loop.

Related topics

	Troubleshooting FireWire devices
	Connecting and disconnecting FireWire devices
	Using FireWire devices with your computer