What Is This Tool?
This converter allows users to transform STS1 (payload) data rates, the user-data capacity within SONET frames, into equivalent Ethernet streams. It helps understand how many Ethernet data streams correspond to the SONET payload, aiding in network capacity planning and traffic mapping.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in STS1 (payload) units you wish to convert
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Select STS1 (payload) as the source unit and Ethernet as the target unit
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent Ethernet data streams
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Review the conversion result for planning or network design purposes
Key Features
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Converts data transfer units from STS1 (payload) to Ethernet streams
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Utilizes a defined conversion rate based on SONET and Ethernet capacities
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Supports network engineers and planners in SONET-Ethernet integration
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Browser-based and easy to use with clear unit definitions
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Facilitates mapping of tributary signals into SONET payload envelopes
Examples
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1 STS1 (payload) equals approximately 4.95 Ethernet streams
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2 STS1 (payload) convert to about 9.9 Ethernet data streams
Common Use Cases
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Provisioning OC‑1/STS‑1 carrier circuits to carry multiple DS1 or DS3 signals
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Planning capacity for SONET rings with user throughput considerations
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Mapping Ethernet traffic into SONET synchronous payload envelopes
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Integrating SONET and Ethernet in data center networks
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Estimating simultaneous Ethernet streams transported via SONET payload
Tips & Best Practices
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Confirm the Ethernet speed relevant to your network to interpret results
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Use conversion results in conjunction with physical layer and protocol overhead details
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Leverage this tool for initial capacity planning, supplementing detailed analysis
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Keep in mind the fixed STS1 payload rate versus varying Ethernet speeds
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Employ conversions to support service-level agreement bandwidth calculations
Limitations
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Ethernet speeds vary widely; conversion assumes a normalized Ethernet rate
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STS1 payload capacity is fixed whereas Ethernet rates range from 10 Mbps to over 100 Gbps
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Actual throughput may differ due to physical and protocol overhead in networks
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Conversion values are approximate and depend on matching specific Ethernet data rates
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does STS1 (payload) represent in this conversion?
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STS1 (payload) refers to the user-data portion inside the SONET STS-1 frame with a capacity of 50.112 Mbps for carrying user signals.
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Why does the conversion show 1 STS1 equals 4.95 Ethernet?
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This conversion relates to how many standard Ethernet data streams can fit within the STS1 payload capacity based on the defined rate.
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Can this tool convert to all Ethernet speeds?
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The tool converts to a generic Ethernet unit rate; since Ethernet speeds vary, the conversion is an approximate equivalence.
Key Terminology
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STS1 (payload)
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The user-data capacity within a SONET STS-1 frame with a usable synchronous payload envelope rate of 50.112 Mbps.
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Ethernet
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A family of standardized wired networking technologies and protocols for local area networks specifying data frame formats and link behavior.
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SONET
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Synchronous Optical Network, a standardized digital communication protocol used to transmit multiple digital bit streams over optical fiber.