What Is This Tool?
This unit converter allows you to translate data transfer rates from IDE (UDMA mode 3), a legacy storage interface speed, to STS3c (payload), a payload container used in high-bandwidth SONET optical networks. It helps compare throughput values across different networking and storage technologies.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 3) units that you want to convert
-
Select IDE (UDMA mode 3) as the source unit and STS3c (payload) as the target unit
-
Click the convert button to get the equivalent data transfer rate in STS3c (payload)
-
Use the results to interpret or compare throughput across legacy and modern systems
Key Features
-
Supports conversion between IDE (UDMA mode 3) and STS3c (payload) data transfer units
-
Provides quick and accurate rate translation for network and storage engineering
-
Useful for troubleshooting, system design, and performance comparison
-
Browser-based tool requiring no installation
Examples
-
1 IDE (UDMA mode 3) converts to approximately 2.66 STS3c (payload)
-
5 IDE (UDMA mode 3) equals about 13.3 STS3c (payload) based on the conversion formula
-
Use multiples of the base rate for quick calculations of larger data transfer values
Common Use Cases
-
Comparing throughput of legacy PATA/IDE hard drives with high-capacity optical networks
-
Network engineering for optical backbone infrastructure using SONET links
-
Troubleshooting or refurbishing systems that bridge PATA storage and SONET transport
-
Configuring and documenting data transfer rates in telecommunications and storage systems
Tips & Best Practices
-
Remember that IDE (UDMA mode 3) rates reflect theoretical maxima which may vary in practice
-
Consider SONET framing and overhead which slightly reduce the net user payload of STS3c
-
Use the conversion primarily for high-level comparisons rather than for hardware substitution
-
Verify configurations in both storage and network equipment to ensure compatibility
Limitations
-
IDE (UDMA mode 3) represents a legacy storage interface with theoretical maximum rates
-
STS3c payload excludes SONET overhead, so actual user data rates are slightly lower
-
These units correspond to different technology domains making direct hardware correlation limited
-
Conversion is best suited for conceptual throughput comparison rather than exact hardware matching
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does IDE (UDMA mode 3) represent?
-
It is an Ultra DMA transfer mode for Parallel ATA interfaces providing a theoretical max raw transfer rate around 44.4 MB/s for legacy PATA/IDE devices.
-
What is STS3c (payload) used for?
-
STS3c payload is a SONET transport container carrying high-bandwidth client signals at about 155.52 Mbps for optical network communications.
-
Why convert between these two units?
-
Conversion helps compare throughput between older PATA/IDE storage device speeds and modern SONET optical transport rates for system integration and network planning.
Key Terminology
-
IDE (UDMA mode 3)
-
A PATA interface transfer mode offering a theoretical maximum raw data rate around 44.4 MB/s using Ultra DMA with low CPU load.
-
STS3c (payload)
-
A SONET synchronous transport signal level-3 payload container carrying contiguous data at a line rate near 155.52 Mbps, used in optical networks.
-
SONET
-
Synchronous Optical Network, a standard for high-speed optical telecommunications transmission.