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 d2 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 d2 to a daisy chain that includes first generation Thunderbolt technology devices. For example, your computer supports Thunderbolt 2 technology and you add the LaCie d2 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 d2 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 d2 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 d2 before adding first generation Thunderbolt technology devices and/or displays.

You can daisy chain Thunderbolt 2 technology and first generation Thunderbolt technology devices when the LaCie d2 is in power-saving mode. Though the hard drive spins down when the LaCie d2 enters power-saving mode, the Thunderbolt 2 signal remains constant. Therefore, daisy-chained devices continue data operations without interruption.

As described in LED Power Button, you can set the Mac operating system to automatically place the LaCie d2 into power-saving mode. However, the power-saving setting may not take effect if you have daisy-chained powered Thunderbolt 2 devices to the LaCie d2. For example, a hard drive or monitor that receives power via a power outlet. Follow the instructions below to manually place the LaCie d2 into power-saving mode:

1. Make certain that the LaCie d2’s volumes are not being accessed.
2. Eject the volumes (see Unmounting Your Hard Drive).
3. Apply a short press to the LED button. A short press lasts no longer than 1 second.

To wake up the LaCie d2, apply another short press.