What Is This Tool?
This converter translates data transfer speeds measured in gigabytes per second (using the SI byte definition) into STM-1 signal units, which are used in telecommunications to represent standard transmission rates.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer rate value in gigabytes per second (SI definition)
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Choose the source unit as gigabyte/second (SI def.) and the target unit as STM-1 (signal)
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Click convert to see the equivalent number of STM-1 signals
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Use the conversion result for telecom provisioning or data rate planning
Key Features
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Converts data rates from gigabyte/second (SI definition) to STM-1 signal units
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Supports telecommunications and data center throughput measurements
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Uses standard SI prefix definitions for bytes per second
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Aligns computing and storage data rates with telecom transmission standards
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Easy to use with simple input and output format
Examples
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2 gigabyte/second equals approximately 102.88 STM-1 signals
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0.5 gigabyte/second equals approximately 25.72 STM-1 signals
Common Use Cases
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Network and data-center link throughput specification using SI byte units
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Provisioning backbone fiber links at 155.52 Mbit/s in telecom networks
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Planning aggregation and transport of data over SDH systems
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Interfacing storage or computing equipment data rates with telecom SDH/SONET systems
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure you understand the SI byte definition vs binary byte differences to avoid confusion
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Use this converter for planning and provisioning telecom network capacities
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Verify that large data rates correspond to appropriate STM-1 signal aggregations
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Consult telecom standards when handling STM-1 based network designs
Limitations
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STM-1 signals have a fixed gross bit rate of 155.52 Mbit/s, limiting direct mapping for very large rates
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High gigabyte-per-second values convert to many STM-1 units, requiring aggregation hardware
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The gigabyte/second unit uses decimal byte definitions which differ from binary conventions, potentially causing mix-ups if not noted
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does gigabyte per second (SI def.) mean?
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It means a data transfer rate where 1 gigabyte equals 10^9 bytes transferred each second, using the decimal SI byte definition.
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What is an STM-1 signal used for?
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STM-1 is the basic transmission unit in SDH networks, carrying a synchronous framed signal at a rate of 155.52 Mbit/s, commonly used in telecom backbone links.
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Why convert from gigabyte/second to STM-1?
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Converting allows alignment between high-level data throughput and standard telecommunications transmission units, useful for network provisioning and interfacing systems.
Key Terminology
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Gigabyte/second (SI def.)
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A data rate measuring 10^9 bytes transferred every second using decimal SI bytes.
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STM-1 (signal)
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Synchronous Transport Module level-1, a transmission unit in SDH networks at 155.52 Mbit/s.
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Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)
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A standardized multiplexing protocol used in telecommunications to transmit signals over optical fiber.