What Is This Tool?
This tool enables conversion between IDE (PIO mode 3), a legacy programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA devices, and STS3c (payload), a SONET payload container used for optical network transport. It assists users in translating throughput measurements between historical storage devices and modern network data rates.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 3) you want to convert.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 3) as the source unit and STS3c (payload) as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent STS3c (payload) value.
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Use the results to assist with network design or data transfer analysis.
Key Features
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Supports conversion between IDE (PIO mode 3) and STS3c (payload) units.
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Uses official conversion rates based on throughput equivalences.
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Browser-based interface for quick and easy conversions.
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Facilitates comparison of legacy storage and optical network data rates.
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Includes example conversions to aid understanding.
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals approximately 0.5907 STS3c (payload).
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10 IDE (PIO mode 3) converts to about 5.9068 STS3c (payload).
Common Use Cases
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Translating legacy IDE storage throughput to modern SONET payload equivalents.
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Network capacity planning for enterprise optical links using STS3c circuits.
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Performance comparisons between older desktop storage and optical transport networks.
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Evaluating embedded systems interfacing with older IDE devices alongside modern network equipment.
Tips & Best Practices
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Always verify the throughput units correspond to the same measurement context.
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Consider network overhead and framing differences when interpreting results.
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Use this converter for theoretical equivalence rather than exact real-world throughput.
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Refer to examples to ensure correct data entry and conversion interpretation.
Limitations
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Conversion reflects theoretical equivalence and does not account for real-world overhead.
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IDE (PIO mode 3) throughput is CPU-driven and often lower than theoretical maximum.
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STS3c payload throughput is reduced by SONET framing and overhead bytes.
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Exact data throughput matching between units is approximate, not precise.
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 storage devices with a theoretical maximum throughput of about 11.1 megabytes per second.
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What is the STS3c (payload) unit?
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STS3c (payload) is a SONET payload container providing a contiguous data channel with a gross line rate of 155.52 Mbps, commonly used in optical transport networks.
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Why convert from IDE (PIO mode 3) to STS3c (payload)?
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Converting helps compare legacy storage throughput with modern optical transport network capacities for network design, capacity planning, or performance assessments.
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 devices with a maximum theoretical throughput around 11.1 MB/s.
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STS3c (payload)
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A SONET level-3 payload container providing a contiguous data channel with a gross transport rate of 155.52 Mbps used in optical networks.
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SONET
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Synchronous Optical Networking, a standardized digital communication protocol for transmitting data over optical fiber networks.