What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer measurements from STM-4 (signal), an optical transmission standard used in telecommunication networks, to SCSI (Ultra-2), a parallel interface standard for storage devices. It helps bridge the gap between optical transport rates and storage interface speeds.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in STM-4 (signal) units you want to convert
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Select STM-4 (signal) as the source unit and SCSI (Ultra-2) as the target unit
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Press the convert button to get the equivalent value in SCSI (Ultra-2)
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Use the results to assess compatibility and performance between optical and storage systems
Key Features
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Converts STM-4 (signal) to SCSI (Ultra-2) using a defined nominal conversion rate
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Supports converting line rates from synchronous digital hierarchy to storage interface standards
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Provides quick and easy calculation for telecommunications and data center applications
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Browser-based tool requiring no installation
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Helpful for comparing network bandwidth with storage transfer speeds
Examples
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1 STM-4 (signal) equals 0.972 SCSI (Ultra-2)
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10 STM-4 (signal) equals 9.72 SCSI (Ultra-2)
Common Use Cases
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Aggregating voice, data, and leased circuits over optical backbone links in telecom networks
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Interconnecting multiple STM-1 circuits within carrier transport infrastructure
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Transporting wholesale Ethernet or ATM services across SDH environments
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Connecting enterprise disk arrays and RAID controllers to servers using SCSI (Ultra-2)
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Attaching tape backup systems and removable-media libraries in data centers
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Linking legacy high-performance workstations with parallel SCSI peripherals
Tips & Best Practices
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Understand the fundamental differences between optical transport protocols and storage interfaces before converting
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Use conversions as nominal speed references rather than exact payload equivalences
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Consider signaling types and physical medium differences affecting real-world throughput
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Apply results cautiously when planning system integrations involving telecommunication and storage equipment
Limitations
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Conversion reflects nominal speed equivalences, not direct data payload compatibility
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Differences in framing, signaling, and latency influence actual throughput performance
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Physical mediums between STM-4 optical networks and parallel SCSI interfaces vary greatly
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This tool does not account for protocol variations or overhead beyond nominal rates
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is STM-4 (signal) used for?
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STM-4 (signal) serves as a standardized optical transmission frame in synchronous digital hierarchy networks, commonly used for regional or inter-city backbone links aggregating various traffic types.
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What does SCSI (Ultra-2) connect?
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SCSI (Ultra-2) connects enterprise storage devices like disk arrays and RAID controllers to servers, as well as tape backup drives and other peripherals in data center environments.
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Can this conversion reflect exact data throughput?
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No, the conversion provides nominal speed equivalence rather than exact data payload compatibility due to differences in protocols and signaling methods.
Key Terminology
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STM-4 (signal)
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A synchronous digital hierarchy optical transport frame with a line rate of 622.08 Mbit/s used to multiplex digital traffic including payload and overhead.
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SCSI (Ultra-2)
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A parallel Small Computer System Interface standard employing Low Voltage Differential signaling to enhance data transfer rates and cable lengths.
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Data Transfer Rate
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The speed at which data is transmitted from one unit or device to another, often measured in Mbit/s or similar units.