What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms data transfer measurements from IDE (PIO mode 3), a legacy CPU-driven transfer mode for IDE storage devices, into STS3 (payload), representing the user data capacity within an STS-3/OC-3 telecom transport frame.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the numerical value in IDE (PIO mode 3) data transfer rate you want to convert.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 3) as the input unit and STS3 (payload) as the output unit if not already set.
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Click the convert button to view the equivalent value in STS3 (payload).
Key Features
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Supports conversion between IDE (PIO mode 3) and STS3 (payload) units for data transfer rates.
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Facilitates understanding and comparison of legacy storage throughput with SONET payload capacities.
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Useful for telecom provisioning, legacy system analysis, and embedded systems interfacing.
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Browser-based and easy to use with clear input and output fields.
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals approximately 0.5907 STS3 (payload).
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10 IDE (PIO mode 3) is equivalent to about 5.9068 STS3 (payload).
Common Use Cases
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Comparing throughput of older IDE storage devices to modern telecom payload capacities for performance evaluation.
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Provisioning and capacity planning of carrier backbone links such as OC-3 circuits in telecommunications.
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Measuring and billing leased-line services where payload bandwidth allocation matters.
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Testing legacy desktop/laptop hard drives and CD/DVD devices used in BIOS or compatibility modes.
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Integrating or designing embedded and industrial systems interfacing with older IDE devices without DMA.
Tips & Best Practices
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Double-check the unit selections before converting to ensure accurate comparison.
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Consider that IDE (PIO mode 3) throughput values are theoretical and CPU-dependent.
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Remember STS3 (payload) excludes framing and overhead, representing only user data throughput.
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Use this tool as a reference for planning rather than exact network or storage system performance.
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Combine results with system-specific parameters for comprehensive capacity or performance evaluations.
Limitations
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IDE (PIO mode 3) values are theoretical maxima and depend on CPU performance in real scenarios.
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STS3 (payload) refers solely to the user data capacity and excludes overhead bytes in SONET frames.
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The conversion does not factor in protocol overhead, error correction, or network conditions.
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Results should be used cautiously in contexts requiring precise throughput or latency data.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (PIO mode 3) represent?
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IDE (PIO mode 3) is a CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE storage devices with a theoretical maximum throughput of about 11.1 MB/s.
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What is STS3 (payload)?
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STS3 (payload) is the part of a SONET STS-3 (OC-3) frame that carries user data, representing the capacity available for client traffic excluding overhead.
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Why convert from IDE (PIO mode 3) to STS3 (payload)?
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Converting helps relate legacy IDE storage transfer rates to telecom payload capacities for performance evaluation and system integration.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 3)
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A CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE storage devices, with theoretical throughput up to about 11.1 MB/s.
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STS3 (payload)
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The user data portion within a SONET STS-3 (OC-3) transport frame, representing capacity available for client traffic excluding overhead.
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OC-3
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An optical carrier level used in SONET networks with a line rate of 155.52 Mbit/s, equivalent to STS-3.