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====== Daisy Chain (Thunderbolt 2 only) ======

Use the enclosure's two Thunderbolt 2 technology ports for:
  * Direct connection to a computer that is compatible with Thunderbolt 2 technology or first generation Thunderbolt technology
  * Daisy chaining with devices and displays that are compatible with Thunderbolt 2 technology and first generation Thunderbolt technology

===== Daisy chain: Thunderbolt 2 technology and first generation Thunderbolt technology =====

Thunderbolt 2 technology is an update of first generation Thunderbolt technology. While Thunderbolt technology continues to provide impressive transfer rates of up to 10Gb/s bi-directional, Thunderbolt 2 technology offers improved performance with a potential of up to 20Gb/s bi-directional. Thunderbolt 2 technology also gives you greater flexibility when using video and data, assigning greater throughput to the stream that carries the heavier load. You  must have a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology in order to take advantage of the updates in performance and the intelligent sharing of bandwidth.

Similar to first generation Thunderbolt technology, a single Thunderbolt 2 technology daisy chain can have up to seven devices, including the computer. For example, you can daisy chain five LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 enclosures on the same line with a display. Provided that your computer supports Thunderbolt 2 technology, transfer rates have the potential to reach up to 20Gb/s bi-directional for all devices.

You can also add the LaCie 2big to a daisy chain that includes first generation Thunderbolt technology devices. For example, your computer supports Thunderbolt 2 technology and you add the LaCie 2big to a daisy chain that includes three first generation Thunderbolt technology storage devices and a display with a MiniDisplay port. In such a case, make certain that the LaCie 2big is the first enclosure connected to the computer. You can lose the higher performance offered by Thunderbolt 2 technology if a Thunderbolt 2 device is daisy-chained behind first generation Thunderbolt devices and/or displays.

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==== How to daisy chain ====

Connect the Thunderbolt cable to one of the Thunderbolt 2 ports on the back of the LaCie 2big and to your computer. The additional port may be used to daisy chain compatible first generation Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 peripherals, such as hard drives and monitors. If you have another Thunderbolt 2 storage device, make certain to connect it to the LaCie 2big before adding first generation Thunderbolt technology devices and/or displays.

<note important>**Important cable info:** When connecting your enclosure to a computer or compatible devices, use cables specifically constructed to support Thunderbolt technology. Thunderbolt technology cables are compatible with Thunderbolt 2 technology devices and first generation Thunderbolt technology devices.</note>

<note important>**Important info:** To reach Thunderbolt 2 technology transfer rates of up to 20Gb/s bi-directional, the LaCie 2big must be connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology. Connecting the LaCie 2big to a computer that supports first generation Thunderbolt technology allows for transfer rates up to 10Gb/s bi-directional.</note>

=== Daisy chain: idle mode ===

You can daisy chain Thunderbolt 2 technology and first generation Thunderbolt technology devices even when the disks are spun down. To enter idle mode, apply a short push to the LED power button (see [[led|]]). The status LED will blink slowly, indicating that the LaCie 2big is in idle mode. Thunderbolt devices daisy-chained to the LaCie 2big will continue to receive power.