What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to convert data transfer speeds measured in gigabit per second (SI definition) into STS3c (payload) units. It is designed for telecommunications and networking professionals to map Ethernet or IP data rates into SONET payload containers used in high-speed optical networks.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer rate value in gigabit per second (SI definition)
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Select gigabit/second (SI def.) as the input unit
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Choose STS3c (payload) as the output unit
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Click convert to see the equivalent rate in STS3c (payload)
Key Features
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Converts gigabit per second (SI def.) to STS3c (payload) units accurately
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Supports conversions relevant for network engineering and capacity planning
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Browser-based and easy to use for quick data transfer unit conversions
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Suitable for mapping Ethernet/IP data rates to SONET optical transport formats
Examples
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1 Gbit/s converts to approximately 6.6518 STS3c (payload)
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0.5 Gbit/s converts to approximately 3.3259 STS3c (payload)
Common Use Cases
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Planning and analyzing local area network links such as Gigabit Ethernet
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Mapping high-speed IP or Ethernet data rates to SONET payload containers
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Estimating capacity on backbone optical links (OC-3) carrying Ethernet or IP
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Leased-line provisioning for enterprise circuits around 155 Mbps
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Transporting ATM, frame relay, or similar client signals over SONET
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this conversion to understand compatibility between Ethernet/IP and SONET networks
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Consider SONET overheads when interpreting STS3c (payload) capacities
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Verify whether your rates are decimal (SI) rather than binary-based for accurate conversion
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Use this tool for planning optical transport links and enterprise leased-line requirements
Limitations
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STS3c's actual payload is slightly reduced due to SONET framing and overhead
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Conversion assumes ideal mapping without protocol overhead or packetization loss
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Does not account for differences between decimal-based gigabit rates and binary-based gibibit rates
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does gigabit/second (SI def.) represent?
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Gigabit/second (SI def.) represents a data transfer rate of 1,000,000,000 bits per second using a decimal base.
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Why is the STS3c (payload) rate lower than its gross line rate?
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Because SONET framing and overhead reduce the actual usable payload slightly below the nominal 155.52 Mbps line rate.
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Can I use this conversion for binary-based rates like gibibit per second?
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No, this tool specifically converts decimal gigabit per second rates and should not be used for binary-based units.
Key Terminology
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Gigabit/second (SI def.)
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A data transfer rate equal to 10^9 bits per second, used for expressing network throughput.
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STS3c (payload)
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The concatenated Synchronous Transport Signal level-3 payload container in SONET with a gross line rate of 155.52 Mbps, used to transport high-bandwidth client signals.
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SONET
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Synchronous Optical Network, a standardized digital communication protocol used to transmit multiple digital bit streams over optical fiber.