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

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.

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.

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 LEDs and LED Power Button). 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.