What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to convert data transfer measurements from IDE (PIO mode 3), a legacy CPU-driven transfer mode for ATA devices, to Virtual Tributary 6 (payload), a standardized SONET/SDH container for carrying lower-rate plesiochronous payloads.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in IDE (PIO mode 3) units
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Select IDE (PIO mode 3) as the source unit and Virtual Tributary 6 (payload) as the target unit
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent value in Virtual Tributary 6 (payload)
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Use the result to understand or compare legacy IDE throughput with SONET/SDH payload containers
Key Features
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Converts between IDE (PIO mode 3) and Virtual Tributary 6 (payload) units of data transfer rate
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Uses a fixed conversion rate based on theoretical maximum throughput
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Supports applications involving legacy hardware and modern optical network payloads
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Provides quick translation of historical device throughput into SONET/SDH payload equivalents
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Browser-based and easy to use for telecommunications and network engineering contexts
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals 14.8 Virtual Tributary 6 (payload)
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5 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals 74 Virtual Tributary 6 (payload)
Common Use Cases
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Integrating legacy IDE storage throughput rates into modern optical transport systems
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Mapping and transporting PDH payloads over SONET rings using Virtual Tributary 6 containers
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Aggregating multiple low-rate services into higher-rate SONET/SDH payloads for telecommunications
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Testing and comparing performance between older IDE modes and current network payload standards
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Supporting embedded or industrial systems communicating with older IDE storage devices
Tips & Best Practices
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Understand the limitations of theoretical maximum rates when interpreting conversion results
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Use this conversion chiefly for comparison and integration planning rather than exact operational throughput
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Consider protocol overhead and real-world inefficiencies separately when assessing actual data transfer
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Use the converter as a reference tool in telecommunications and legacy hardware engineering
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Combine this conversion with system-level analysis for comprehensive network design
Limitations
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Conversion is based on theoretical maximum throughput rates and excludes protocol overhead and errors
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Actual throughput for IDE (PIO mode 3) may be lower due to its CPU-driven, non-DMA operation
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Results may not reflect real-world performance and operational inefficiencies
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This tool does not account for network-specific or device-specific characteristics beyond unit rates
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (PIO mode 3) refer to?
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IDE (PIO mode 3) is a CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode defined by ATA standards for Parallel ATA/IDE devices, with a theoretical maximum throughput of around 11.1 MB/s.
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What is Virtual Tributary 6 (payload)?
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Virtual Tributary 6 (VT6) is a standardized SONET/SDH container designed to carry fixed-size lower-rate plesiochronous payloads within synchronous optical multiplex signals.
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Why convert from IDE (PIO mode 3) to Virtual Tributary 6 (payload)?
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Conversion helps translate legacy storage throughput rates into equivalent SONET/SDH payload units for integrating older storage data rates into modern optical transport networks.
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 theoretical maximum throughput of about 11.1 MB/s.
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Virtual Tributary 6 (payload)
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A standardized SONET/SDH virtual tributary container for carrying lower-rate plesiochronous payloads within synchronous optical multiplex frames.
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SONET/SDH
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Synchronous Optical Network/Synchronous Digital Hierarchy, standards for optical fiber communications.