What Is This Tool?
This converter allows users to translate values from IDE (PIO mode 4), a CPU-driven ATA timing transfer mode, into STS3c (payload), a SONET optical transport payload unit. It helps bridge legacy data transfer metrics with contemporary network payload measurements.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 4) units you wish to convert
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Select IDE (PIO mode 4) 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 result to compare legacy storage transfer rates with modern optical payload capacities
Key Features
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Converts between IDE (PIO mode 4) timing throughput and STS3c (payload) optical transport units
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Supports comparison of legacy ATA/IDE data rates with SONET high-bandwidth payload channels
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Provides approximate conversions based on theoretical maximum throughput
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Browser-based and easy to use for network engineers and retro-computing professionals
Examples
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5 IDE (PIO mode 4) ≈ 4.4168 STS3c (payload)
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10 IDE (PIO mode 4) ≈ 8.8335 STS3c (payload)
Common Use Cases
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Configuring or diagnosing older ATA/IDE drives and BIOS settings on legacy systems
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Benchmarking legacy data transfer modes when planning hardware upgrades
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Assessing integration between vintage storage technology and modern optical transport networks
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Supporting telecommunications and network engineering projects involving SONET payload planning
Tips & Best Practices
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Understand that IDE (PIO mode 4) represents a timing and handshaking mode, not a physical data unit
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Use this tool to approximate conversion values rather than exact throughput measurements
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Consider overhead and real-world inefficiencies when comparing theoretical rates
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Apply conversions primarily to facilitate network design and legacy system analysis
Limitations
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IDE (PIO mode 4) is a CPU-controlled timing mode, so conversions are based on estimated maximum throughput
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STS3c (payload) values exclude overhead framing bytes, slightly lowering usable bandwidth
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Does not reflect actual protocol overhead or real-world transfer inefficiencies
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (PIO mode 4) represent?
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IDE (PIO mode 4) is a CPU-driven timing mode for ATA storage devices defining data transfer handshaking rather than a physical data unit.
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What is STS3c (payload)?
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STS3c (payload) is a single contiguous payload channel in SONET used for high-bandwidth optical transport at approximately 155.52 Mbps gross line rate.
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Can I expect exact throughput values from this conversion?
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No, the conversion is approximate and based on theoretical maximum rates, excluding real-world overhead and inefficiencies.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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A Programmed Input/Output timing mode controlling ATA device transfers via CPU handshaking, representing a legacy transfer mode.
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STS3c (payload)
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A SONET payload container providing a contiguous 155.52 Mbps optical transport channel used for high-capacity data signals.
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Data Transfer
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The process of moving data between systems, devices, or networks measured using various units depending on context.