What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate data transfer rates from IDE (UDMA mode 3), a legacy Ultra DMA mode for Parallel ATA interfaces, to STM-4 (signal), a high-speed optical transmission module used in Synchronous Digital Hierarchy systems. It helps compare legacy storage throughput with modern telecom-grade transmission rates.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 3) units you want to convert
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Select STM-4 (signal) as the target unit
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent transfer rate
Key Features
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Converts transfer rates between IDE (UDMA mode 3) and STM-4 (signal) units
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Browser-based and easy-to-use interface for quick calculations
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Supports comparisons between legacy storage modes and optical network rates
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 3) equals approximately 0.643 STM-4 (signal)
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5 IDE (UDMA mode 3) equals approximately 3.215 STM-4 (signal)
Common Use Cases
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Comparing legacy PATA/IDE hard drive transfer speeds with telecom optical data rates
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Planning data aggregation in telecom networks involving SDH infrastructure
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Interpreting and benchmarking legacy storage throughput relative to modern network capacities
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this conversion for planning and comparative analysis rather than direct device interoperability
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Consider environmental and protocol factors as they can affect actual throughput
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Verify unit selections carefully to ensure accurate conversions
Limitations
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Conversion is theoretical and based on nominal transfer rates, not reflecting overhead or errors
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IDE (UDMA mode 3) does not directly correspond to STM-4 physical signaling
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Intended for comparative and planning purposes, not for direct compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (UDMA mode 3) represent?
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IDE (UDMA mode 3) is an Ultra DMA transfer mode for legacy Parallel ATA interfaces providing a theoretical maximum transfer rate of about 44.4 MB/s with minimal CPU intervention.
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What is STM-4 (signal) used for?
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STM-4 (signal) is a synchronous transport module in the Synchronous Digital Hierarchy used in optical networks at a nominal rate of 622.08 Mbit/s, commonly used for regional or inter-city backbone links.
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Can I use this converter for direct device communication?
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No, this conversion is primarily for comparative and planning purposes since IDE (UDMA mode 3) and STM-4 involve different physical signaling technologies.
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 3)
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A legacy Ultra DMA transfer mode for Parallel ATA interfaces with a theoretical max raw transfer rate around 44.4 MB/s.
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STM-4 (signal)
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Synchronous Transport Module level-4 in SDH, an optical transmission frame with a nominal rate of 622.08 Mbit/s used for multiplexing digital traffic.
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Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)
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A standardized multiplexing protocol used to transfer multiple digital bit streams over optical fiber networks.