What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform data transfer units from STS3 (payload), which measures user-data capacity in a SONET OC-3 frame, into the modem (28.8k) rate, representing the throughput of a classic 28.8 kbps dial-up modem. It helps compare modern carrier network capacities to legacy modem speeds.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in STS3 (payload) units you want to convert
-
Select the target unit as modem (28.8k)
-
Click the convert button to see the equivalent modem (28.8k) rate
-
Review the result to understand throughput equivalences between units
Key Features
-
Converts high-capacity SONET STS3 payload rates to 28.8 kbps modem speeds
-
Provides quick comparisons between carrier-grade optical transport and dial-up modem rates
-
Browser-based, easy-to-use interface for fast unit conversions
-
Supports telecom provisioning, capacity planning, and legacy throughput benchmarking
Examples
-
2 STS3 (payload) equals 2 × 5220 = 10,440 modem (28.8k)
-
0.5 STS3 (payload) equals 0.5 × 5220 = 2,610 modem (28.8k)
Common Use Cases
-
Comparing backbone link capacities with legacy modem speeds for network documentation
-
Planning and provisioning telecom circuits based on payload channel capacity
-
Evaluating bandwidth and throughput limits between optical transport and dial-up connections
-
Educational purposes to illustrate differences between modern and legacy data rates
Tips & Best Practices
-
Use this converter primarily for high-level capacity comparisons rather than precise throughput estimates
-
Keep in mind the impact of overhead and line quality on actual modem performance
-
Apply the conversion results for planning and educational contexts rather than direct throughput benchmarking
-
Understand that STS3 payload reflects large-scale transport capacity whereas modem speeds reflect legacy user links
Limitations
-
Assumes ideal conditions without accounting for overhead or encoding differences in modem communication
-
Large STS3 payload rates produce very high modem equivalents that are less practical for typical user scenarios
-
Does not consider line quality effects or real-world modem connection variability
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does STS3 (payload) represent?
-
STS3 (payload) refers to the user-data portion of a SONET STS-3 transport frame, representing the bytes available for client traffic after excluding framing and overhead.
-
Why convert STS3 (payload) to modem (28.8k)?
-
This conversion helps compare modern high-capacity optical transport data rates with classic dial-up modem speeds for planning, documentation, or educational insights.
-
Is the conversion rate affected by modem line quality?
-
No, the conversion assumes ideal conditions and does not account for line quality, overhead, or encoding variations.
Key Terminology
-
STS3 (payload)
-
The user-data portion of a SONET STS-3 frame representing bytes available for client traffic after overhead is excluded.
-
Modem (28.8k)
-
A data transfer rate approximately equal to 28,800 bits per second, typical of a classic dial-up modem.
-
SONET
-
Synchronous Optical Network, a standard for optical telecommunications transport.