What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms data rates measured in IDE (PIO mode 3), a CPU-driven transfer mode for Parallel ATA devices, into STS3 (signal), a SONET digital transmission rate used in telecom networks. It helps users compare throughput between historical and modern data transfer technologies.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 3) units that you want to convert
-
Select IDE (PIO mode 3) as your source unit
-
Choose STS3 (signal) as your target unit
-
Press convert to get the equivalent data transfer rate in STS3 (signal)
Key Features
-
Converts IDE (PIO mode 3) data transfer rates to STS3 (signal) units
-
Supports conversion based on recognized industry standards
-
Browser-based and easy to use for quick rate translation
-
Useful for benchmarking and network provisioning comparisons
Examples
-
2 IDE (PIO mode 3) converts to approximately 1.14 STS3 (signal)
-
5 IDE (PIO mode 3) converts to approximately 2.85 STS3 (signal)
Common Use Cases
-
Comparing throughput between legacy CPU-driven IDE storage interfaces and modern synchronous optical transport systems
-
Evaluating network performance and provisioning in telecom backbone infrastructure
-
Benchmarking transfer rates for retrocomputing and performance testing
Tips & Best Practices
-
Ensure units are correctly selected to avoid conversion errors between bytes per second and bits per second
-
Use this conversion primarily for comparative analysis rather than for direct hardware interoperability
-
Consider the theoretical nature of IDE (PIO mode 3) transfer rates when interpreting results
Limitations
-
IDE (PIO mode 3) rates reflect theoretical maximums and may not represent actual sustained speeds
-
STS3 (signal) units are in megabits per second requiring careful attention to unit alignment
-
Conversion is relevant for comparing data transfer capacities, not for interfacing between different technologies
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is IDE (PIO mode 3)?
-
IDE (PIO mode 3) is a CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA storage devices with a theoretical max throughput around 11.1 MB/s.
-
What does STS3 (signal) represent?
-
STS3 (signal) is a SONET synchronous transport signal at 155.52 megabits per second commonly used in backbone telecom networks.
-
Why convert from IDE (PIO mode 3) to STS3 (signal)?
-
To compare and translate data transfer rates between older storage interfaces and modern telecom transport systems for interoperability and benchmarking.
Key Terminology
-
IDE (PIO mode 3)
-
A CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE devices with a max raw throughput about 11.1 MB/s.
-
STS3 (signal)
-
A SONET synchronous transport signal level 3 running at 155.52 megabits per second, used in telecom backbone networks.
-
SONET
-
Synchronous Optical Networking, a standard for transmitting multiple digital bit streams over optical fiber.