What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to convert data transfer rates from IDE (UDMA mode 3), a legacy PATA/IDE transfer mode, to OC3, a standardized optical transmission rate used in synchronous optical networking. It helps compare and correlate throughput between different technologies.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 3) units you wish to convert
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Select IDE (UDMA mode 3) as the original unit and OC3 as the target unit
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent OC3 value
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Review the result to compare data transfer capacities across technologies
Key Features
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Simple browser-based interface for quick unit conversions
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Accurate conversion using the formula: 1 IDE (UDMA mode 3) = 2.5720164609 OC3
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Supports understanding of legacy drive speeds relative to high-speed optical networks
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Useful for benchmarking, planning, and system refurbishment contexts
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 3) converts to approximately 2.572 OC3
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3 IDE (UDMA mode 3) converts to approximately 7.716 OC3
Common Use Cases
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Comparing throughput of legacy PATA/IDE hard drives with optical transmission rates
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Benchmarking and troubleshooting older storage systems in relation to modern networks
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Planning telecommunications backbone links using OC3 lines
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Refurbishing legacy computing systems with awareness of transfer rate differences
Tips & Best Practices
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Consider differences in unit bases—IDE rates are in megabytes/second and OC3 in megabits/second
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Remember this conversion is approximate due to protocol and overhead differences
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Use the tool to aid understanding when integrating or comparing storage and network technologies
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Validate converted data transfer requirements in practical network planning scenarios
Limitations
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IDE (UDMA mode 3) is a legacy standard with theoretical rates that may not match actual performance
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OC3 rates are standardized optical speeds measured in different units than IDE transfer rates
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Transfer protocol and network overhead differences mean results are approximate, not exact
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Direct conversion may not fully capture real-world throughput due to error correction and other factors
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (UDMA mode 3) represent?
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IDE (UDMA mode 3) is a legacy Ultra DMA transfer mode for Parallel ATA interfaces offering a maximum theoretical transfer rate of about 44.4 MB/s.
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What is OC3 used for?
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OC3 is a SONET optical transmission rate of 155.52 megabits per second used in synchronous optical networking for long-distance and backbone data transport.
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Why might conversions between IDE and OC3 be approximate?
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Because IDE rates are in megabytes per second and OC3 in megabits per second, and because of differences in protocols, overhead, and error correction.
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 3)
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An Ultra DMA transfer mode for Parallel ATA interfaces with a theoretical maximum raw transfer rate of about 44.4 MB/s, used for legacy PATA/IDE storage devices.
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OC3
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An Optical Carrier level 3 SONET transmission rate of 155.52 megabits per second used for synchronous optical networking over fiber links.
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Conversion Rate
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The factor used to convert IDE (UDMA mode 3) units to OC3 units; specifically, 1 IDE (UDMA mode 3) equals approximately 2.5720164609 OC3.