The 9-pin to 6-pin IEEE 1394b cable connects a 6-pin IEEE 1394a device to a 9-pin IEEE 1394b port on a computer Connects the 6-pin IEEE 1394a port on a computer to a 9-pin IEEE 1394b device. Connecting a 9-pin connection to a 6-pin or 4-pin connection at any point means you have a 1394a connection