What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer rates from the STS1 (payload) format used in synchronous optical networking to the IDE (UDMA mode 4) transfer speeds found in legacy PATA/IDE storage devices. It helps compare network throughput with storage device capabilities.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value measured in STS1 (payload) units
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Select 'STS1 (payload)' as the source unit and 'IDE (UDMA mode 4)' as the target unit
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Click convert to see the equivalent transfer rate in IDE (UDMA mode 4)
Key Features
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Converts STS1 (payload) user-data capacity to IDE (UDMA mode 4) transfer rates
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Facilitates network and storage performance comparisons
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Browser-based and easy to use for quick conversions
Examples
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2 STS1 (payload) converts to 0.1875 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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10 STS1 (payload) converts to 0.9375 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
Common Use Cases
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Planning and provisioning SONET circuits to carry multiple DS1 or DS3 channels
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Evaluating network throughput against legacy IDE storage device speeds
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Troubleshooting and benchmarking data transfers between telecommunication networks and older hardware
Tips & Best Practices
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Use the converter to estimate comparable transfer speeds between network and storage devices
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Consider protocol differences and overhead when interpreting results
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Verify device and cable compatibility when working with IDE (UDMA mode 4) hardware
Limitations
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Conversion is an approximation between different units and data protocols
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IDE (UDMA mode 4) speeds are theoretical and affected by cable, firmware, and system factors
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STS1 payload rates represent optical network capacity, which may differ from actual device throughput
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does STS1 (payload) represent?
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STS1 (payload) is the user-data capacity inside an STS-1 frame in SONET, with a usable synchronous payload envelope capacity of 50.112 Mbps.
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What is IDE (UDMA mode 4)?
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IDE (UDMA mode 4), also known as Ultra DMA/66, is a Parallel ATA transfer mode that moves data blocks between a drive and host at a maximum theoretical rate of about 66.7 megabytes per second.
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Why convert between STS1 (payload) and IDE (UDMA mode 4)?
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Converting helps translate network data throughput in optical transport to comparable storage device speeds, useful for benchmarking and planning data handling between networks and legacy storage hardware.
Key Terminology
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STS1 (payload)
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The user-data capacity portion within an STS‑1 frame in a SONET synchronous optical network, with a usable payload capacity of 50.112 Mbps.
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IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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A Parallel ATA data transfer mode allowing block movements between a drive and host at a theoretical throughput near 66.7 megabytes per second, requiring an 80-conductor cable.
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SONET
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Synchronous Optical Network, a standard for optical telecommunications transport.
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Ultra DMA/66
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Another name for IDE (UDMA mode 4), indicating a transfer mode supporting up to 66.7 MB/s.